There’s still time to complete a short survey to help ensure Guernsey’s Breast Screening Programme continues to offer the “best possible experience and care for women”.
Health and Social Care says the aim is to gather feedback from the eligible screening population of women aged 50 to 75 years.
Paper copies are available from the Breast Screening Unit, the front windowsill at the Guille-Allès Library and GP surgeries, or you can fill it out online via the State’s website HERE.
Di Mathews, the Public Health Strategic Screening Lead, said: “Approximately 70% of women attend for a breast screening appointment when they are invited, and the survey asks questions about the entire experience from being invited through to receiving results.”
Ms Matthews added that the feedback could be crucial for developing the services.
“While knowing what to improve is important for our service it is also crucial to find out why some people choose not to attend so it is hoped that those people will also take the time to complete this survey.”
She continued: “We would really like to hear from all women in the 50–75-year age group to find out if the service we are providing is meeting their needs. We would like to hear from as many people as possible, from positives about the service to elements which could be changed or improved.
“Your insights are invaluable in helping us understand what’s working well and where we can do better.”
Helen Richards, the Breast Screening Manager, said breast screenings can be life saving.
“Screening can pick up breast cancers at a very early stage which means they can be more treatable. Screening can save your life and if there is more we can be doing to increase uptake we would like to know what that is.
“Anyone in the 50–75-year age group who hasn’t received an invite but thinks they are eligible can call the unit on 223730.”
Ms Richards added: “In addition to filling out the survey we continue to remind people to be ‘breast aware’. Breast cancer can affect anyone at any age, so getting to know what looks and feels normal for you could make all the difference.
“Regularly checking breasts and breast tissue (all chest areas including up to collar bones and armpits) at all ages is important even if women are attending for screening because changes can happen between screening appointments.”
Ms Richards said there are many everyday things to lower the risk of developing breast cancer.
“It’s also important to be aware of methods that can reduce the risk of breast cancer, such as eating more vegetables and fruits, taking regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight and reducing alcohol intake.”
You can find out more about the symptoms of breast cancer through the UK’s NHS website HERE, find advice on how to perform checks through BreastCancerNow HERE, and more information on Guernsey’s Breast Screening Programme on the State’s website HERE.