ROUTINE breast screening for women across Keighley has restarted.

The programme had been put on hold for five months due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

But the Pennine Breast Screening team is once again inviting women registered with GPs in the Keighley area to attend for an appointment at the mobile unit.

The unit is based in the car park at the side of Sainsbury’s supermarket, in Cavendish Street, but appointments can also be made elsewhere. Women should wait for an invitation before contacting the team.

The mobile units have been modified to ensure they are Covid-19 secure and those attending will be asked to follow measures designed to prevent the spread of the virus.

Sadie Greenwood, breast screening health promotion specialist, said: “We’re delighted that we can once again start inviting women for screening.

“We’ve been working hard to make sure we can see women safely.

“Appointment times have been extended to allow thorough cleaning of the unit between appointments – and in some areas staff will be working shifts to provide a similar number of appointments per day over a longer period, including Saturdays, to create a more flexible service with slots available throughout the day and evening.”

Women aged between 50 and 70 are urged to take-up the three-yearly invitation for screening, which can detect breast cancer up to two years before symptoms show – making treatment options easier.

Breast cancer affects one in seven women.

Consultant breast radiologist, Dr Shazia Khan, said: “Screening is a really important early-detection test that saves lives.

“The mammographers are a professional, female team who provide an excellent service and put women at ease.

“A mammogram lasts around five minutes, although it is advised that you allow 30 minutes for the whole appointment. It can feel a little weird the first time. Most women say it’s ‘a bit of a tight squeeze but no big deal’ and are grateful for the peace of mind that it brings.”

A video explaining more about the process can be viewed at vimeo.com/241078206.

Anyone receiving an invitation who wishes to change the appointment or doesn’t want to attend should call 01274 365521 or email pennine.screening@bthft.nhs.uk.