Breast screening saves lives

During Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October), a Northampton woman whose breast cancer was discovered through routine screening, is urging others to attend their mammogram when invited.

Tracey Fox was diagnosed in 2021 after her second mammogram, despite having no concerns that anything was wrong. She is sharing her experience to highlight why attending screening matters, even when there are no symptoms.

Tracey said: “I didn’t suspect anything. They found it on the mammogram and told me two weeks later.”

Following her diagnosis, Tracey underwent two lumpectomies on her right breast and had two lymph nodes removed. Her treatment also included chemotherapy, radiotherapy and a course of injections.

She said: “Attending breast screening may very well have saved my life. It meant my cancer was caught early. If I didn’t come along for my screening I would have had no idea.”

Tracey’s message to others is simple: “Get your mammogram done. It saves lives.”

Last week, the breast screening team at Northampton General Hospital wore pink scrubs to raise breast cancer awareness and are keen to encourage more people to attend their breast screening like Tracey.

Louise Ward, Breast Screening Programme Manager, said: “Tracey’s experience is a powerful reminder that breast screening saves lives. Screening can detect breast cancer before you notice symptoms, when treatment is more likely to be successful.

“We know some people feel nervous about having a mammogram. Our all-female team of mammographers are here to answer your questions and support you throughout your appointment.”

NHS breast screening is offered every three years to GP-registered women aged between 50 and 70. For more information about breast screening, visit Breast screening (mammogram) - NHS