Press Release

Sharon Hodgson urges more accessible Breast Screening.

January 31, 2006

Local MP Sharon Hodgson has told the Commons of the difficulties faced by women trying to use breast screening services.

Sharon Hodgson said:

“Far too many women miss breast screening appointments because they are offered at inconvenient times. This undoubtedly contributes to the number of cases of breast cancer found later in the development of the disease.

It’s vital that these services become more patient-led, which will benefit the women concerned and reduce the cost of treatment to the NHS.”

The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Breast Cancer found that one in six women miss breast screening appointments due to being unable to attend at the times offered, and are unable to reschedule at a time they can attend.

The Secretary of State for Health Patricia Hewitt said:

“As we move more of the screening services into the community, it will be much easier for patients to get an appointment at the time they need it, rather than one that they are simply told to turn up for.”

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