Hi-tech screening a big step forward

A STATE-of-the-art breast screening service that provides clearer and faster results has opened in the town centre.

The service, commissioned by NHS Oldham, at the Integrated Care Centre uses digital technology rather than film so images can be checked straight away which reduces the chance of patients having to be recalled.

Digital breast screening equipment also gives a clearer picture and so provides better results for women with denser breasts.

Alan Higgins, director of public health for Oldham, said: “We have been reviewing our breast screening facilities for some time, in order to ensure we can provide screening which is as safe, effective and high quality as possible.

“Having the service at the Integrated Care Centre means we can offer women screening in comfortable, spacious and discreet surroundings, in a central location.

“The latest statistics show more than 14,000 cases of cancer were diagnosed in women screened aged 45 and over in 2007 to 2008 in England. Thanks to improvements in screening, more women are being diagnosed and we hope our work to develop the service in Oldham will help even more women survive.”

Barbara Eckersley is a superintendent radiographer at the Nightingale Centre and Genesis Prevention centre at Wythenshawe Hospital who is overseeing the new service.

She said: “The Oldham Integrated Care Centre is a remarkable building in itself, and the mammography room has been redesigned into a beautiful and spacious facility for the women of Oldham.

“I think this new facility will greatly improve the quality of service we can provide for breast cancer screening.”

The service provides a routine screening mammogram on a three-yearly basis with a further assessment if required.

The age range of women seen is currently 50 to 70 years old but this will be gradually extended to ages 47 to 73.