NHS Mid and South Essex has launched a new breast screening support video in an effort to encourage more women to come forward for the potentially life-saving scan.
The move comes as data shows that women living in Thurrock and Southend are significantly less likely to attend breast screening appointments than their Essex neighbours.
Nearly 4 in 10 eligible women in Thurrock and Southend do not attend their vital breast screening appointments, creating a missed opportunity for early detection that could help save lives. In Essex, the number drops to 3 in 10 eligible women who don’t come forward, in line with the England average1.
With the risks of breast cancer in the spotlight during Breast Cancer Awareness month this October, NHS Mid and South Essex is promoting the video to help women feel more informed and confident about attending their mammogram appointments.
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in the UK and the fourth most common cause of cancer death2. Breast screening helps to catch cancer in the early stages when it can be easier to treat, which significantly improves patient and treatment outcomes.
The new video, funded by Macmillan Cancer Support, provides a clear, step-by-step overview of the breast screening process – from receiving an invitation to attending the appointment and receiving results. It aims to reduce anxiety, dispel myths, and encourage more women to attend.
Improving breast screening uptake is a priority for us. This video is a powerful tool to help women feel more confident and informed. It’s a great example of how we can use patient insight and digital communications to reduce inequalities and improve outcomes.”
Dr Elizabeth Towers, Macmillan GP and System Clinical Lead for Cancer at NHS Mid and South Essex
I was recently invited to attend my first breast screening and wasn’t sure what to expect. However, the lovely, friendly radiographer instantly put me at ease, explaining everything every step of the way. Any nerves or apprehension were completely forgotten.
The screening is conducted in a discreet, professional and respectful way. I’m a busy mum who runs her own business – I could easily have not taken the time to make this appointment, but I made sure I did. It’s so important for peace of mind.
I would encourage everyone who gets invited to attend. It could make all the difference.
Sarah, a local Essex resident
We know breast screening may be daunting but it’s essential for catching cancer earlier and saving lives. This video helps demystify the process, to encourage people to come forward for these vital appointments.
If you have questions about cancer screening, big or small, Macmillan is only ever a call or click away. For information, support or just someone to talk to, call 0808 808 00 00 or visit macmillan.org.uk/whateveryouneed.
Polly Richards, Professional Engagement Improvement Lead at Macmillan Cancer Support
The new video is part of a wider campaign to address persistently low screening uptake across the region. Recent data shows that breast screening uptake is particularly low in deprived areas, in women from black and minority ethnic backgrounds, and amongst women living with learning disabilities or a severe mental illness3.
The reasons behind low attendance rates were captured in a recent breast screening attitudes survey. Many respondents reported barriers such as pain, anxiety, accessibility issues, and lack of culturally sensitive care, despite 95.4% saying that screening was “very important”4.
To help reach more women from diverse communities, NHS Mid and South Essex is also producing translated versions of the video in key community languages. A suite of accessible materials has been developed to support women with learning disabilities and autism to learn more about the breast screening programme and take up their appointment. These include the Let’s Talk About Breasts video which was co-developed with women living with learning disabilities and autism, and the Talking Text video which is an accessible, easy-read version of the breast screening booklet.
Breast screening: what to expect and why it matters YouTube: Your breast screening journey