BreastCheck guide to screening

BREASTCHECK has developed an information guide about breast screening for women with intellectual disabilities.

The illustrated manual aims to help women understand for themselves what is involved in a breast check appointment.

The manual called A Guide to Breast Screening also includes a special information section for carers, family and friends.

The Government-funded service provides free breast cancer screening for women aged between 50 and 64 on an area-by-area basis.

All BreastCheck screening units are fully accessible to people with disabilities.

Women are also asked to notify the service in advance of any special needs to ensure all requirements are fully met.

Commenting on the manual, BreastCheck’s Sheila Caulfield said women with intellectual disabilities should have access to breast screening on the same basis as other women.

“The purpose of this guide is to help encourage their participation in the programme as much as possible by providing simple and comprehensive illustrated information,” she said.

BreastCheck is available in the north east, east, midlands and south east and is in the process of expanding the service into the south and west later this year.