BreastCheck back in Mullingar

- 24 October 2011

BreastCheck – The National Breast Screening Programme is returning to Mullingar on 7 November to invite women aged 50-64 living in Mullingar and surrounding areas for their free breast x-rays (mammograms).

Women are invited to a BreastCheck mobile screening unit in the grounds of St. Mary’s Hospital, Mullingar. Appointments will be sent to women by post, on an area-by-area basis. If the appointment time or date doesn’t suit it can be easily changed by calling BreastCheck on 01- 882 6200.

BreastCheck is a screening service for women who have no symptoms of breast cancer. All women aged 50-64 are invited for a mammogram every two years. A mammogram is a simple procedure that only takes minutes and a BreastCheck appointment only takes about half an hour in total. The aim of screening is to detect early breast cancer. Many women living in Mullingar have previously had a BreastCheck mammogram and the vast majority of women screened are found to be perfectly healthy.

Women who have had a BreastCheck mammogram before are encouraging other women to attend their BreastCheck appointment when invited. Speaking about their own personal experiences, five women 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

BreastCheck advises all women aged 50 to 64 to make sure their name is on the BreastCheck register by calling Freephone 1800 45 45 55 or checking online at www.breastcheck.ie.

Once on the register and known to the programme, a woman will automatically receive her invitation for a mammogram when BreastCheck is screening in her area.

If a woman is not on the BreastCheck register, there are two simple ways to have her details added. She can either register herself online in the ‘self search and register online’ section of www.breastcheck.ie or there are self registration forms available from BreastCheck that can be completed and returned by Freepost. These forms are available on request by calling the BreastCheck information line on Freephone 1800 45 45 55.