More women will be able to get checked for breast cancer after the Government announced £10 million for new NHS screening units, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said.
The 29 new units will include 16 mobile ones that can be used flexibly in underserved areas, making screenings more accessible for thousands of women. The funding will also go towards nearly 70 service upgrades for existing screening equipment, including to improve software for ultrasounds and X-rays.
Health minister Helen Whately said: “Catching cancer early saves lives. Last year 100,000 people were diagnosed with cancer at stages one and two. This is the highest proportion on record but we want to do better still. These breast cancer screening units will mean more people can get checked for cancer, closer to home.
“Most people will get the reassurance of an all-clear but for those who are diagnosed, catching their cancer early is the best thing we can do – and gets them on the path to early treatment too.” The funding is in place and can be spent by NHS trusts within the 2022/23 financial year, with the timing of the delivery of the units up to the trusts, DHSC said.
For more stories from where you live, visit InYourArea.
Find recommendations for eating out, attractions and events near you here on our sister website 2Chill
Find recommendations for dog owners and more doggy stories on our sister site Teamdogs
