Final BreastCheck reminder to women living in Clare

- 21 October 2011

BreastCheck – The National Breast Screening Programme offers free breast x-rays (mammograms) to women aged 50-64 every two years. BreastCheck has almost finished screening women aged 50 to 64 living in Co Clare. The mobile screening unit on location in the grounds of Clare County Council, New Road, Ennis will leave the county at the end of November 2011.

It will be another two years before BreastCheck returns to Co Clare so it is important that no woman misses having her mammogram. If you missed your BreastCheck appointment or received and appointment for a time or date that didn’t suit, a new appointment can be easily arranged by contacting BreastCheck on 091 580600.

A BreastCheck mammogram is a simple procedure and the appointment only takes half an hour in total. The aim of screening is to detect early breast cancer but the vast majority of women screened by BreastCheck are found to be perfectly healthy.

Women who have already had their BreastCheck mammogram are encouraging other women to go for their mammogram when invited. Speaking about their own personal experiences, five women (aged 50-64) said the following:

“I was very nervous going for my mammogram. There was a time when I thought about not turning up for it. I did have my mammogram done and my results came back clear. I was relieved and I am glad I went through with it. I would say to any woman out there who’s thinking about not turning up for her appointment talk to someone about it.” Betty

“The nurses in BreastCheck are very friendly and they have a great way of making you feel relaxed. When I got my mammogram the nurse chatted away to me and before I knew it she said it was done. I couldn’t believe it. I was so pleased with myself and I would have no problem having it done again.” Ann

“Women need to be responsible for their own health and it is important they get their mammogram test done. Women always look after everyone else but this is a time they must put themselves first.” Deloris
 
“Even though having a mammogram can be uncomfortable for some women it’s very important to have it done and it only lasts for a few minutes.” Marian  

“The staff at BreastCheck were very nice and friendly. They gave me loads of time to get myself comfortable and relaxed before they did the mammogram.” Betty