MSP Gillian Martin urges women to attend breast screenings

Aberdeenshire East MSP Gillian Martin is encouraging women to ensure they attend breast screenings or contact their GP if they notice any unusual changes.

The charity Breast Cancer Now has released new analysis which suggests almost 12,000 women across the UK were living with undiagnosed breast cancer at the end of May this year.

Estimates from the charity show that 1,067 women in Scotland have missed screenings and could be living with undiagnosed breast cancer.

Women registered with a GP are invited for NHS breast screening every three years between the ages of 50 and 71, however services had been paused last year to create capacity in the health service for coronavirus treatment and to reduce the spread of infection.

Commenting, Gillian Martin said: “I would urge any women who were due to have a breast screening within the last year to contact their GP and ensure they get a new appointment.

“These screenings can help to detect cancer and be life-saving.

"Please do not hesitate to get checked and if you notice any abnormal changes to your breasts contact your doctor.

“This can include changes in the shape or size of your breast, a lump or swelling in the breast, upper chest or armpit, a nipple change, or change to the colour of your breast.”

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