A mobile unit operated by the North London Breast Screening Service (NLBSS) has screened nearly 10,000 women over 18 months at North Middlesex University Hospital (NMUH).

The NLBSS, which is part of the Royal Free London, aims to provide breast cancer screening to women aged 47 or over once every three years.

As well as two permanent units at Edgware Community Hospital and Forest Road Group Practice in Edmonton, the service has five mobile units operating at different sites.

The mobile unit was based outside the main entrance of NMUH in Sterling Way, Edmonton, for around 18 months. During this time every woman living in the area who was due to be screened was invited to visit the unit.

Between 1 October 2014 and 31 March 2016, the mobile screening unit based at NMUH screened 9,534 women. 

The NHS breast screening programme was launched in 1988 with the aim of detecting breast cancer at an earlier stage, often before the woman is aware of any problem. Early detection may mean simpler and more successful treatment. Scientific evidence shows that regular breast screening between the ages of 50 - 70 years reduces the death rate from breast cancer. The age range of women invited was extended to include some 47 to 49 year old women and some 71 to 73 year old women, as recommended by the Cancer Reform Strategy.

Kathy Murphy, acting superintendent radiographer at the NLBSS, said: “We parked one of our mobile screening units in the North Mid car park to enable us to screen the local women at a site convenient to them. The unit was set up at the front of the hospital and has proved very popular with our patients and was very easy for them to find.

“We look forward to returning to in approximately 18 months.”

Jasdeep Gahir, consultant breast surgeon at NMUH, said: “It has been great to have the mobile breast screening unit parked right in front of the hospital. It means local women have been able get their mammograms done close to home and if a cancerous lump is detected following further tests, the patients can quickly see a breast consultant at the hospital and be offered excellent service and treatment to deal with it.”

ENDS

Image: North Middlesex University Hospital

Notes to editors

Media contacts: daniel.obrien1@nhs.net or call 020 7317 7740

About the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust

The Royal Free began as a pioneering organisation and continues to play a leading role in the care of patients. Our mission is to provide world class expertise and local care. In the 21st century, the Royal Free London continues to lead improvements in healthcare.

The Royal Free London attracts patients from across the country and beyond to its specialist services in liver and kidney transplantation, haemophilia, renal care, HIV, infectious diseases, plastic surgery, immunology, Parkinson's disease, vascular surgery, cardiology, amyloidosis and scleroderma and we are a member of the academic health science partnership UCLPartners.

In July 2014 Barnet Hospital and Chase Farm Hospital became part of the Royal Free London. Read 'A bigger trust, a better future'.