New Site Boosts Breast Screening Uptake

A new static breast screening site at Crawley Hospital, which opened in January, has led to a notable increase in attendance among eligible women in West Sussex. The screening service, which covers the county and parts of Surrey, reported an 80% uptake rate, with 2,217 out of 2,769 invited women attending for mammograms. This figure is significantly higher than the national average of 70%.

Dr. Olga Strukowska, director of the West Sussex screening service, credits the improved attendance to sustained local engagement efforts. Previously, screenings were conducted solely via mobile units, which often necessitated lengthy travel for women residing in areas like Crawley, Horsham, and East Grinstead to facilities such as Worthing Hospital. The introduction of a hybrid model, combining static sites with mobile units, aims to provide a more equitable service.

Data from NHS England Digital indicates a broader upward trend in breast screenings across the South East. In the 2024-2025 period, 347,407 women were screened, an increase of nearly 19,000 from the previous year. Dr. Strukowska emphasized the importance of early detection, stating that mammograms can identify cancer at very early stages, making treatment more effective. Charity Breast Cancer Now reports that early detection and intervention following a mammogram help prevent around 1,300 deaths each year.