Doctors are encouraging the women of Cheshire to attend their breast cancer screening appointments.

The Cheshire & Merseyside Cancer Alliance are encouraging women who receive an invitation to attend a breast cancer appointment, to act on it as soon as they can.

Women who are registered with a GP, and aged 50-74 are sent invitations to attend breast cancer screening appointments every three years.

And doctors across the region are strongly encouraging everyone that is asked to attend a breast cancer screening appointment to act quickly on their invitation.

Hospitals, GP surgeries and mobile screening units across Cheshire have put measures in place to keep people safe during their appointments, including dedicated 'COVID-secure' facilities. Social distancing and rigorous precautions are in place, alongside extra cleaning regimes.

Undertaking breast cancer screening helps the vast majority of women to get the reassurance that there is absolutely nothing to worry about. But for the small proportion where the test shows up something that needs a closer look, it also helps them to get a further test, or if necessary, the treatment they need. If breast cancers are caught early, patients are far more likely to survive and far less likely to require invasive treatment.

Dr Chris Warburton, Medical Director for Cheshire & Merseyside Cancer Alliance said: "Screening can both reassure patients, and catch any issues early, meaning that people are far more likely to both survive and avoid having invasive treatment. Getting screened is easy, quick and safe for all people who get invited."

More information on Cancer Screening is available here.