Urgent Action Needed On Cancer Screening Suspension - Teather
February 23, 2007 3:19 PM
Sarah Teather agrees that regular screening is vital to save lives
Local Liberal Democrat MP for Brent East, Sarah Teather, has written to the Trust responsible for the North London Breast Screening Service urging them to resume breast cancer screening for women in Brent as a matter of urgency.
The North of London Breast Screening Service (NLBSS) has announced the temporary suspension of routine breast screening, due to 'system process errors'. As yet there is no date for the service re-starting.
NLBSS provides a screening and assessment service for approximately 165,000 women aged between 50 and 70, registered with GPs across North London. Routine breast screening is essential in the fight against breast cancer. Screening detects cancers at an earlier stage of their development, increasing an individuals chances of surviving the disease and reducing the need for invasive treatments. The NHS Breast Screening Programme estimates that it saves 1400 lives a year.
Local MP Sarah has written to Averil Dongworth, Chief Executive of the Barnet and Chase Farm Hospitals NHS Trust responsible for commissioning breast screening services in Brent, urging her to address this situation as a matter of urgency. Sarah has also asked when services are likely to be reinstated.
Local Liberal Democrat MP for Brent East, Sarah Teather, said:
"I was extremely concerned to hear that the North London Breast Screening Service has been suspended. Breast cancer must be caught in the early stages. Regular screening is vitally important to the health of women in Brent, and saves lives in our borough.
"I have written to the NHS Trust asking for urgent action to get the screening service up and running again. They must also take steps to deal with any backlog that may build up while screening is suspended.
"In the meantime, I would encourage anyone who does notice unusual symptoms or changes in their breasts to see their GP.
"My constituents are naturally worried, and have a right to know when screening will resume. I will continue to apply pressure to the NHS Trust until the situation has been sorted. The longer this essential service is out of action, the more the health of women in Brent is at risk."
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