A BID to promote breast screening, especially among first timers and the over 70s, got underway with a visit from Tatton MP George Osborne.
Latest statistics reveal just 60 per cent of women turn up for their first appointment and there is to be a new campaign to drive the response rate up.
Under the campaign banner "Breast Screening Saves Lives" Breakthrough Breast Cancer is to urge more women to attend their first appointment and is to target women over 70.
Shadow Chancellor Mr Osborne met staff during a visit to Macclesfield hospital on Friday and spoke to campaign spokesman Jean McGregor.
Jean said: "While most women in the Macclesfield district aged between 50 and 70, and therefore eligible for free NHS breast screening, are taking up their appointments for breast screening figures published by the NHS in 2006 show that only 60 per cent of women in the area are attending their first ever appointment.
"Breakthrough Breast Cancer and George Osborne MP believe that all women should be encouraged to attend their initial breast screening appointment as evidence suggests that if they do so they are more likely to continue going."
She added: "Breast screening can detect breast cancer at an extremely early stage, before it can even be felt or seen. Early detection of cancer saves lives and the NHS breast screening programme has estimated that it saves around 1,400 lives a year.
"I want to make sure that women in Macclesfield make the most of this free service and attend when they are invited every three years. If you are aged between 50-70 please make sure you attend."
A survey revealed that almost 97 per cent of women aged 70 and over do not realise that they are at most risk of developing breast cancer. Ninety per cent of women over 70 said they had never requested their own screening appointment.
Jean said: "It's important to remember that your risk of developing breast cancer continues to increase the older you get. If you are aged 70 and over you will no longer receive routine invitations every three years but you can still continue using the breast screening service by arranging your own appointments either through your GP or the Macclesfield Breast Screening Unit."
George Osborne added: "The Macclesfield Breast Screening Unit offers a fantastic service and it is good news that many women in the area are attending their screening appointments. However, there is always room for improvement and the low number of women attending their first appointment is concerning.
"By working together with Breakthrough Breast Cancer and staff at the Macclesfield breast screening unit we are urging all women of eligible age to attend when invited and, if you are over 70, to arrange your own regular appointments. "
