Breast cancer screening available at supermarket

The unit is stationed at the Sainsbury's at Bentley Bridge until 15 September

A breast cancer mobile screening unit is currently available outside a supermarket in Wolverhampton for women who are eligible for screening.

The unit, stationed at Sainsbury's at Bentley Bridge until 15 September, marks the first time one has been located at the site.

Women registered with GP practices in the local area and who are due a screening will receive an invitation by letter to attend the unit, and organisers hope it will encourage more local women to attend their appointment.

Women aged 50 to 74 are eligible for breast screening and are invited every three years.

The unit is run by the Dudley, Wolverhampton and South West Staffordshire Breast Screening Programme.

A spokesperson for City of Wolverhampton Council said: "Attending screening is vital for early detection of breast cancer, which is strongly linked to reduced mortality.

"Anyone experiencing symptoms of breast cancer - such as a new lump, changes to the skin of the breast or nipple discharge - should not wait for their screening invitation but should instead contact their GP as soon as possible."

Councillor Obaida Ahmed said: "Early detection is the best form of defence against cancer, which is why regular screening is so important. It can detect cancers at an early stage.

"Breast screening saves around 1,300 lives each year in the UK, and finding cancer early can make it more likely that treatment will be successful."

Anyone who is invited for a screening appointment but is unable to attend their allocated time is advised to contact the screening programme's office on 01384 244177 to rebook an appointment at a more convenient time.