October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which raises awareness around screening, treatment, and prevention of breast cancer.

Each year, the screening prevents an estimated 1,300 deaths from breast cancer in the UK. 

Breast screening saves lives by diagnosing and treating cancers earlier than they would have been without screening, often before any visible or palpable changes to the breasts occur.

Breast screening can save your life (Credit: NHS)

When diagnosed at an early stage, 98% of women survive their breast cancer for five years or more.

All women aged 50-71 are invited for free NHS breast screening.

On behalf of the primary care services for the borough of Kingston Upon Thames, the NHS will issue women in the borough's first screening invitation on their 53^rd birthday.

If you have been invited for breast screening but missed or did not book an appointment, you can still contact your local NHS breast screening service to arrange one, even if the invitation was weeks, months or years ago.

Breast screening services are more accessible than ever.

 In addition to hospitals, mobile screening vans are available in convenient community locations, such as supermarket car parks. 

The closest hospital screening services to Kingston are at Kingston Hospital, Charing Cross Hospital in Hammersmith and The Rose Centre, St Georges Healthcare NHS Trust, Perimeter Road.

You can also attend mobile screening services at Surbiton Health Centre and Hawks Road Clinic in Kingston.

Be breast aware

By getting to know how your breasts normally look and feel, you will be more likely to spot any changes that might be signs of breast cancer.

It is important to continue checking your breasts regularly, even if you have just had a mammogram.

This helps you learn what is normal for you, making it easier to notice any changes that could be a sign of a condition such as breast cancer.

See a GP if you notice any changes in your breasts, such as alterations in size, shape, or skin texture, new lumps, nipple discharge, or persistent pain.

Find out more about how to check your breasts or chest here.