October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and I had the privilege of visiting the specialist breast cancer team at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary this week.
Led by Carol, a Macmillan Breast Cancer Specialist Nurse, and Dr. Olga, Director of Breast Screening and Lead Consultant Breast Radiologist, the team provides exceptional care, tirelessly supporting patients, improving outcomes, and raising awareness alongside organisations such as Breast Cancer UK and Macmillan Cancer Support.
Breast cancer remains one of the most prevalent cancers in the UK, with approximately 55,000 women and 400 men diagnosed annually.
Early detection is critical to improving survival rates, which underscores the importance of prioritising breast health. Regular self-examinations and breast screenings play a pivotal role in the fight against this disease. Women aged 50-70 are automatically invited for screening every three years, but many are unaware that after age 70, they can self-refer for a mammogram. If you receive an invitation for screening, I urge you to attend – it could save your life!
During my visit, I gained a deeper understanding of the patient journey through the Breast Screening Clinic. While the team’s work is exemplary and patient feedback is brilliant, I was struck by the limitations of their small facility, which struggles to accommodate the high volume of patients they see each day.
One of their mammogram machines is sadly out of service and can’t be fixed. Because of this, the team are working extended hours, including weekends, to compensate for the loss of appointments. This situation further highlights the urgent need for Lancaster to receive the new state-of-the-art hospital we were promised by the previous Government.
Every patient, family member and NHS worker across our area deserves modern, dependable and comfortable health care, something which I remain committed to fighting for at every opportunity.