Stratford GP health column – take advantage of NHS screening services
SEEING the doctor when you are concerned or find something abnormal makes sense.
It’s often more challenging to understand why you should do tests when you have no symptoms or concerns. Screening programmes are designed to act like sieves to pick up people with no symptoms but who may be at increased risk of developing the condition being screened.
If your test is positive, it does not mean you have the condition, it just means you will need further tests to establish a diagnosis and assess whether or not you require further treatment.
Last month a colleague of mine was diagnosed with breast cancer which was picked up when she went for her screening mammogram. She has no significant risk factors or family history so the diagnosis was unexpected. The mammogram was the first step in her journey so far. She was then reviewed by a specialist and had a biopsy which confirmed the diagnosis and she has subsequently undergone surgery and is awaiting further discussions about her treatment.
It reminded me of the benefit of screening tests and how lucky we are to live in a country where the NHS is able to support national screening programmes.
The breast screening programme in the UK started in 1987 following a report that highlighted that mammograms in women over 50 years old, decreased the mortality by 30 per cent. The screening programme has two components:
All women aged 50-74 are invited for a mammogram every three years. Women over 70 can continue to be screened but need to self-refer.
If an abnormality is detected, the patient is called back for further tests and referral as appropriate.
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women with a one-in-nine lifetime risk of developing breast cancer. After 10 years the programme is expected to lead to a reduction of 1,250 breast cancer deaths per year and, for each woman in whom death is prevented, they will survive on average an extra 20 years.
Currently 90 per cent of women diagnosed with breast cancer survive their disease for five or more years after diagnosis. Survival is, however, linked to the stage of the disease at diagnosis. Early stage cancer is potentially curable with modern treatments which is why screening tests are so important.
When life gets busy, finding the time to go for screening can sometimes be challenging. About 30 per cent of women do not take up their appointments. Going to a mobile unit in a local car park can be intimidating and frightening. Having a mammogram is not the most pleasant procedure but the staff are professional, kind and caring and the whole procedure only takes approximately 30 minutes. You will receive results directly, usually within two weeks.
Breast cancer screening and all screening programmes can significantly change your outcome. Screening programmes are run nationally and do not require any intervention from your GP unless a new diagnosis is made. Even if screening is negative, it is important to discuss any new symptoms, abnormalities or concerns with your GP.
