Overcoming barriers and building confidence: Meeting our Breast Screening Uptake Officer

When Sarah Howson-Probert talks about breast screening, it's clear this isn't just a job. As an Improving Breast Screening Uptake Officer, at the Trust, she spends her days helping people overcome barriers, access appointments, and feel confident about looking after their health.

Working closely with GP practices, community groups and local organisations, Sarah's role is all about making breast screening accessible to everyone, particularly those who may face barriers to attending or need additional support. That might mean helping someone with a learning disability understand the screening process, arranging reasonable adjustments, providing easy-read information, or simply taking the time to talk someone through any worries or concerns they may have and answer their questions around breast screening.

“It's about making sure everyone feels supported and informed. We want people to feel confident about attending their appointment and empowered to take charge of their own health.”

Why breast screening matters

Breast screening can detect changes in the breast often before they can be seen or felt, helping to identify cancer at an earlier stage when treatment is more likely to be successful. Women are routinely invited for breast screening every three years between the ages of 50 and 71, with first invitations usually arriving between the ages of 50 and 53.

For Sarah, the message is simple: "Screening is really important. Please attend your appointment. If the time isn't suitable, contact us and we'll help rearrange it."

The appointment is easier than you think

One of the most common concerns Sarah hears is that screening will be difficult, painful or time-consuming.

In reality, most appointments take around ten minutes. The mammographer will explain everything as they go, answer any questions, and support you throughout the appointment.

"Some people may find breast screening uncomfortable, and for some people that may be a little bit more tolerable than for others. Everyone's experience is different. So, try not to let the experiences of others put you off.

“For some, it may be a little bit uncomfortable, but this only lasts for a short time. If you're in the screening appointment and feel uncomfortable, don't hesitate to let the mammographer know. They'll support you throughout and work with you to make the experience as comfortable as possible.''

Worried about attending? Talk to us.

The team regularly supports people who are anxious about appointments and can provide extra time, reasonable adjustments and tailored support where needed.

"If you've got questions or concerns, just come and talk to us. Sometimes people feel much better once they know what to expect."

Call us on 01625 661157 

Know your normal

Screening is important, but it's equally important to know what's normal for your body.

"It's really important to be vigilant and check yourself at least once a month to get to know your normal."

Signs and symptoms to be aware of include:

• A lump or swelling in your breast, chest or armpit

• A change in the skin of your breast, such as dimpling or redness (rashes or changes in skin colour may be harder to see on black or brown skin)

• An orange peel appearance, where the skin may be thicker and pores are more obvious

• A change in size or shape of 1 or both breasts

• Nipple discharge, which may have blood in it

• A change in the shape or look of your nipple, such as it pulling inwards (inverted nipple) or a rash on it (may look like eczema).

Remember, most breast changes are not cancer, but it is always important to have any new or unusual changes checked by a healthcare professional.