Parkgate backs breast screening drive

BREAST screening champions teamed up with a shopping centre to encourage women to take up their routine mammogram appointment.

The borough’s official breast screening champion, Kaye Mann (32) and her mother Pat met Parkgate centre manager Janet Drury and representatives from stores to raise awareness of the need to have the checks.

Pat (61) first went for a breast screening appointment at Rotherham Hospital when she was 53, but was not initially going to go because she said she “didn’t realise the importance of it”.

Her mammogram revealed a cancerous lump that was treatable, and now eight years on Pat wants to encourage women across Rotherham to take up their screening invitation.

Holly Scotson, deputy superintendent radiographer from Rotherham Hospital’s breast screening unit said: “Thank you to Parkgate staff for helping us to increase awareness and stress the importance of women attending their mammogram appointment.

“It really does save lives.

“I strongly urge all women to join the fight and take up their breast screening invitations.

Breast screening is available to women aged 50 to 70.

If you have missed your last mammogram appointment or you would like more information on the screening process call Rotherham’s Breast Screening Unit on 01709 424807.