New breast screening test 'saved my life'
Strabane nurse Donna McGavigan is encouraging other women to get Action Cancer's new 3D test for breast cancer.
Last updated 12th Sep 2019
A new breast screening test in Northern Ireland is detecting invasive cancers in younger women.
Action Cancer brought in the 3D breast imaging equipment last year.
Breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer among women in Northern Ireland, but there's a good chance of recovery if it's detected in its early stages.
One life saved by early detection at Action Cancer was Donna McGavigan from Strabane. The 50 year old nurse says she had been going to the charity for mammograms since she turned 40.
“Last June I had an appointment with my best friend, and something was detected on my scan and I was referred to Altnagelvin Hospital for further investigations.
“I was told I had the early stages of breast cancer and there were small tumours in both my breasts. Being a nurse sometimes isn’t good as you have too much knowledge but I decided to have a double mastectomy.
“After my surgery I never looked back and two weeks later I was up and about doing exercises. Now life is good and I am busy and active. I am so thankful to Action Cancer for their screening services which at the end of the day saved my life.
“I would encourage all women over 40 to go for screening. It is quick and painless and could save your life too.”
Last year Action Cancer invested £500,000 in the breast screening equipment, becoming the first unit in the UK to use 3D breast imaging.
Joanna Currie, Consultant Radiographer, reveals, “Using the latest digital 3 D mammography to screen women aged 40-49 has proven invaluable.
“With the ability to scan through the breast and see between overlapping structures and tissue- we have been able to reduce the number of women called back for further investigation by almost 50% and have increased the number of small invasive cancers detected in younger women.
“We are truly delighted with these results a year on and there is no doubt that early detection save lives and makes a huge difference.”
Women aged 40-49 and 70 plus can book their free breast screening appointment either online at www.actioncancer.org or by calling 028 9080 3344.