A hospital in South-east London has recently launched a breast screening awareness video during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The video titled Breast Screening Saves Lives: Hear Our Stories, was created by King’s College Hospital and features patients from the local area sharing their experiences with breast screening.
The main goal of the initiative is to emphasize the importance of breast screening in detecting and treating cancer at an early stage. Dr. Juliet Morel, who is a consultant radiologist and the director of screening at King’s, expressed concern over the fact that nearly half of the women invited to breast screening in London do not take up the offer. She highlighted the risk that thousands of women face by missing the opportunity to detect breast cancer early.
King’s College Hospital, located in Denmark Hill, offers breast screening services to residents of several London boroughs including Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich, Lambeth, Lewisham, and Southwark. Dr. Morel mentioned that about one in 100 individuals who attend screenings are diagnosed with breast cancer, but the survival rate is significantly higher when the cancer is detected early.
Despite having a relatively better screening uptake in South-east London compared to other parts of the city, the percentage is still below the NHS target of 70 percent. Notably, certain groups such as black African and south Asian women have lower rates of screening participation.
Francesca Fiennes, a health promotion specialist in the South-east London Breast Screening Programme, emphasized the significance of sharing patient stories, especially from diverse backgrounds. The aim of the video is to provide a relatable and uplifting message to the local community, stressing the fact that breast screening can save lives. The individuals featured in the video serve as a testament to the importance of early detection through screening.
The initiative by King’s College Hospital is a commendable effort to raise awareness about the benefits of breast screening and encourage more women to prioritize their health by participating in screenings. By sharing real-life stories and experiences, the hospital hopes to inspire others to take proactive steps in managing their breast health and ultimately saving lives. It is essential for individuals, especially those at higher risk, to consider regular breast screenings as a vital part of their healthcare routine.
