Women from Letterkenny and surrounding areas invited to avail of free BreastCheck

BreastCheck – The National Breast Screening Programme is currently inviting women aged 50 to 64 living in Letterkenny and surrounding areas for a free BreastCheck mammogram (x-ray) in the BreastCheck mobile digital screening unit located at the Letterkenny Public Service Centre, Neil T. Blaney Road, Letterkenny, Co Donegal.
If the appointment time or date doesn’t suit, contact BreastCheck as every effort will be made to arrange a more suitable appointment at: (091) 580600.
The aim of screening is to detect early breast cancer, when it is easier to treat and there is a higher chance of a good recovery. A small number of cancers cannot be found by a mammogram, but if you go for regular screening, any changes will be found as early as possible.
A BreastCheck appointment only takes half an hour, the mammogram takes a few minutes. In a mammogram a special x-ray machine is used to take a picture of the breasts. The vast majority of women screened are found to be perfectly healthy, with less than one per cent diagnosed with breast cancer.
Speaking about their own personal experiences of a BreastCheck mammogram, women said the following:
“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
“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
“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
BreastCheck encourages all women aged 50 to 64 living in Letterkenny and surrounding areas to check that they are on the BreastCheck register by calling Freephone 1800 45 45 55 or checking www.breastcheck.ie. Once registered and known to the programme they will automatically receive an appointment when BreastCheck is screening in their area.
BreastCheck encourages all women, regardless of age or participation in screening to remain breast aware at all times and to contact their GP without delay if they have any concerns regarding breast cancer.
Be breast aware
No matter what age you are, it is important to always be breast aware.
Know what is normal for your body.
Know what changes you should look for.
What changes should I look and feel for?
Any lumps or unusual thickening in your breast
Dimpling, puckering or redness of the skin
A nipple that appears to be pulled-in or flattened
A rash or flaky or crusted skin around the nipple
A change in the size or shape of your breast
Swelling in your armpit or around your collarbone
Constant pain in one part of your breast or armpit