Charity worker supports breast screening campaign

By Tom Derbyshire on February 28, 2008 1:46 PM |

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A DOCKLANDS charity worker is starring in a new ad campaign encouraging women to keep breast
screening appointments.

Mum-of-four Dymphna Dale, of Strafford Street on the Isle of Dogs, features on posters about the routine tests at bus shelters across Tower Hamlets.

All women between the ages of 50 and 70 are invited for screening every three years, with the process saving an estimated 1,400 lives in Britain annually.

More than 1,500 women in Tower Hamlets have been screened at Mile End Hospital since the current round of testing began in October.

Tower Hamlets Primary Care Trust (PCT) hopes the new campaign will inspire the rest to follow suit and attend check-ups before the round closes in April.

Dymphna, who is a financial administrator for young people’s charity Docklands Outreach, went for her first screening in 2005.

“It’s a woman issue that I feel quite strongly about,�? explained the 52-year-old mum of Kerryanne, 23, James, 21, Daniel, 16, and 11-year-old Sinead. “As you mature it’s really important to look after your health.

“Like most women I wasn’t that keen on going to screening myself. Before I went I was a bit nervous but I did it, and I’m glad I did.

“The staff were very professional; screening itself only took a few minutes. I just think for peace of mind it’s not something you can put a price on.�?

Dymphna admitted it was “slightly surreal�? seeing herself at bus stops, but said she enjoyed the makeover.
Tower Hamlets PCT is also encouraging businesses and community centres to display leaflets and posters about screening and is working with the organisation Social Action for Health to promote awareness in the Bangladeshi community.

One in nine women will get breast cancer at some point in their lives. The earlier it is diagnosed, the better the chance of successful treatment. Screening can detect cancers when they are too small to see or feel.

Women should visit their GP or call the Social Action for Health cancer screening team on 020 7247 1414 for more information.