Government announces funding for breast cancer screening units

The government has announced £10 million to deliver 29 new breast cancer screening units, 58 remote access upgrades up to 70 service upgrades to speed up diagnosis and treatment.

The screening is to be focussed in areas where it is most needed in an attempt to tackle health disparities and improve diagnosis rates in line with the NHS Long Term Plan.

Minister of state for health, Helen Whately, said: "Catching cancer early saves lives. Last year 100,000 people were diagnosed with cancer at stages one and two. This is the highest proportion on record but we want to do better still.

"These breast cancer screening units will mean more people can get checked for cancer, closer to home.

"Most people will get the reassurance of an all-clear but for those who are diagnosed, catching their cancer early is the best thing we can do - and gets them on the path to early treatment too."

The funding will pay for 16 new mobile breast screening units, 13 additional static units, 58 live remote access upgrades for existing units and 10 software upgrades to carry out ultrasounds and X-rays. Mobile units will be used flexibly to target the areas which will benefit most.

Steve Russell, NHS national director for screening and vaccinations, said: "Screening is vital in detecting breast cancer early and getting better outcomes for patients, and this further investment is great news for improving access to breast screening services for women across England.

"This funding will help increase screening rates amongst women from communities and regions where uptake is lowest by improving  facilities in both fixed and mobile locations, making it easier for more women to get checked, and we encourage anyone invited for a screening to take up their appointment without delay and help us catch cancers earlier when they are easier to treat."

Image by fernando zhiminaicela from Pixabay