Around one in eight women in the UK are diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime. The likelihood of recovery is high if breast cancer is detected in its early stages. All women aged between 50 and 70 who are registered with a GP are automatically invited for breast cancer screening every three years.
The breast screening programme uses low-dose X-rays to examine the breasts and look for different types of tumors and cysts. Mammography has been proven to reduce mortality from breast cancer.
Like all x-rays, mammograms use doses of ionizing radiation to create this image. Radiologists then analyse the image for any abnormal growths.
If you are invited for breast screening or a mammogram, you may come to the Mermaid Centre at Treliske Hospital, our dedicated building for Mammography (see above for more details). We also have two mobile vans for breast screening that visit the following towns:
Redruth
Newquay
Truro
St Austell
Wadebridge
Falmouth
Hayle
St Ives
Helston
Camelford
Penzance
If you have any queries regarding breast screening please call the Breast Screening Department on 01872 250000.
Learning Disability Patients
Healthcare Screening Liaison Nurses
There are two Screening Liaison Nurses who work with people with a learning difficulty to ensure they understand the purpose and benefit of routine screening appointments. They work closely with GPs and other healthcare staff to support people with a learning disability when they are asked to attend a screening appointment for breast, cervical, bowel, abdominal aortic aneurysm and retinopathy screening. If you have a learning disability or know someone who does who might have a screening appointment coming up or could be due for one you can contact them for advice.
Availability
Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm
Contact Information