Women are being urged to attend their mammogram appointments to detect breast cancers early.

Women are being urged to attend their mammogram appointments to detect breast cancers early.

The plea comes amid figures that show only seven in ten women attend, according to a breast surgeon.

Consultant oncoplastic breast surgeon, Amy Burger, said: “In West Norfolk, we have just over 70 per cent of women attending their NHS

breast screening appointment but I would like to encourage more people to take the mammogram.

“The national target for mammogram uptake is 80 per cent. We don’t want our local population to miss out.

“I understand that for some women there may be an element of fear, which may put them off attending but I would like to reassure people that the majority of ladies who have a mammogram have a completely normal result.

“For those ladies who do have a cancer found, evidence has shown that the earlier a potential tumour is detected the chances for a positive outcome will be excellent.”

The NHS Breast Screening programme invites women aged between 50 and 70 to have mammograms every three years to increase the chance that breast cancers are caught at an early stage.

“It has never been easier for women to attend a mammogram appointment thanks to the breast screening van, which is running in the community, along with the West Norfolk Breast Unit at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

“I would also like to encourage all women to check their breasts for any changes and to contact their GP if they are concerned by anything they find,” she said.

• The breast screening van is in Wisbech on Monday November 6. It is by appointment only. If you cannot attend your appointment call 01553-613662 to re arrange.