The GHA is reminding the public of the importance of Breast Screening.

A statement from the GHA follows below:

As the GHA reaches the end of its campaign during October for Breast Cancer Awareness  Month that aims to increase the awareness, early detection and treatment of this disease, it is  important to acknowledge the importance of Breast Screening. Breast screening aims to detect  breast cancers at an early stage. It uses an X-ray test called a mammogram that can spot cancers  when they are too small to see or feel. 

The Gibraltar Health Authority’s Breast Screening programme invites women aged between  40 and 70 for a mammogram at two yearly intervals. Everyone experiences mammograms  differently. Some women may feel slight discomfort during the procedure, whilst others may  not feel anything at all. Women with breast implants should still get regular screening  mammograms as recommended. 

In addition to the screening programme, a weekly one-stop Breast Clinic is available. Women  with breast cancer symptoms are referred to the clinic where they are examined by the  surgeons and then referred to Radiology for the appropriate imaging assessment. 

Any women in the 40-70 age group who have not yet received an invitation for your  mammogram are asked to notify the Radiology Department on 20007214 or  [email protected]. Similarly, anyone who may not have taken up their invitation to attend a mammogram are encouraged to reschedule a new appointment.  

Dr Marcela Zagurova, Consultant Breast Radiologist and Clinical lead for Gibraltar Breast  Screening Programme said, “Mammography screening may save your life”. 

The Minister for Health, the Hon Samantha Sacramento MP said “I cannot stress enough how  important it is to screen for Breast Cancer even if there are no symptoms, which is why it is so  important that appointments are kept when invited. The goal of screening is to catch cancers  early and is therefore easier to treat than later stage cancers, meaning that the chance of  survival is higher. I encourage all those who are eligible for a mammogram to ensure they  arrange their appointments soonest”.