WOMEN across Derry can once again book breast screening appointments again.
Action Cancer, the only provider of free breast screening to women aged 40-49 and 70+ in the North of Ireland, outside of NHS screening age range, has announced that new appointments are now available.
The charity reported earlier this year that it was operating at full capacity and unable to take bookings.
Availability of appointments had been significantly reduced due to measures to enable social distancing and to prevent COVID-19 spreading.
However, the charity now has appointments available.
Action Cancer’s Public Fundraising Manager, Leigh Osborne, said it was important to keep up with routine breast cancer screenings.
“Women are leading increasingly busy lives, even during lockdown,” she said.
“Many are continuing to work throughout the pandemic – either from home, at the office or in a key worker setting.
“Many are also home schooling, in addition to looking after elderly relatives.
“Women tend to put their own health and wellbeing to the bottom of their list of priorities.
“So, ahead of International Women’s Day, I am appealing to all women to take time out of their busy schedules to put their own health first. Booking the appointment will take five minutes.
“This can be done by phone or online and the appointment itself will take no longer than thirty minutes.
“We are living in a time where every second is accounted for. From Zoom meetings, to online school lessons and work phone calls, time is precious. It can be difficult to squeeze in time for anything else.
“Well, this time could potentially save your life.”
Action Cancer is Northern Ireland’s leading, local cancer charity that must raise £4m each year in order to deliver its range of cancer prevention, detection and support services.
Screening aims to find breast cancers early, when they have the best chance of being cured.
While most breast changes won’t be cancerous, it is critical to get them checked.
You can book your Action Cancer breast screening appointment by calling 028 9080 3344 or online at the Action Cancer websits: https://www.actioncancer.org/How-We-Help/Breast-Screening/Where-it-s-available
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