Shirley Ballas Joins Celebrities in Supporting New NHS Breast Cancer Screening Initiative

Personal Touch to Encourage Women to Get Checked

Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas has teamed up with fellow stars like Julia Bradbury and Victoria Derbyshire to back a new NHS breast cancer screening initiative. They will be writing personal letters to patients in an effort to encourage more women to take up their first mammogram.

Early Detection Saves Lives

With more than four in ten women turning down their first invitation for breast cancer screening, the initiative aims to detect 7,500 additional cases at an earlier, more treatable stage. Early detection is crucial in improving treatment outcomes and survival rates.

A Personal Testimony

Victoria Derbyshire, a BBC Newsnight anchor and breast cancer survivor, shares her story in the letters, emphasizing the importance of screening. She highlights the role of NHS in saving lives and urges women to prioritize their health by attending screening appointments.

Know Your Screening Rights

Women aged 50 to 53 are entitled to their first breast cancer screening and should continue every three years until the age of 71. With 56,000 new breast cancer diagnoses annually, regular screening plays a vital role in early detection and treatment.