by Eric Munn

ALL WOMEN aged between 50 and 70 who live in Wirral will be invited for a routine mammogram every three years.

Previously invitations to attend the Breast Centre at Elm House, Clatterbridge, were only sent to those up to the age of 64. Now older women will benefit from the service that has brought about the early detection of breast cancer in many hundreds of women.

Dr David Green, Consultant Radiologist and Director of Screening, said: "Research suggests that deaths from breast cancer have fallen by up to 25 per cent since the introduction of routine screening in the early 1990s.

"The mammogram can detect small changes in breast tissue which may indicate cancers that are too small to be felt either by the woman herself or by a doctor.

"Because the risk of developing the disease develops with age, it is important that we are able to detect cancers early in women aged between 64 and 70.

"While many have chosen to refer themselves to the centre once they pass the age of 64, we hope that by sending them regular invitations more women will use the screening service."

Extending the programme is a huge commitment for staff at Elm House. The centre will see around 120 women a day with an examination taking place once every three minutes on average.

Glenys Penn, Breast Services Co-ordinator, said: "The past few months have been very busy as we prepared to extend the programme and we are confident that we can continue to offer a friendly and efficient service to our patients."

Anyone with queries should contact the Breast Centre on 0151 482 7661.