Health and wellbeing
Women urged to attend breast screening appointments at mobile screening unit in Bescot
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Women across parts of Walsall are being encouraged to attend their breast screening appointments as local health partners work to increase uptake of this important NHS programme.
The mobile breast screening unit, located at Morrisons Bescot on Wallows Lane, has been providing appointments since February 2026 and is expected to remain on site until mid-November this year.
Eligible women aged between 50 and up to their 71st birthday are invited for routine breast screening every three years. The screening programme can detect breast cancer at an early stage, often before symptoms develop, helping to improve treatment outcomes.
Women registered with a number of GP practices in the Palfrey, Pleck, Caldmore and St Matthew's areas are currently receiving invitations to attend the mobile unit.
The practices include Birchills Health Centre, Ambar Medical Centre, Palfrey Health Centre, Pleck Health Centre, Forrester Street Medical Centre, Brace Street Health Centre, Hatherton Medical Centre, Broadway Medical Centre, Saddlers Health Centre and Little London Surgery.
If the letter has an appointment date, eligible women should attend at the time stated. Others may receive a letter and may be required to book a screening appointment at the mobile unit.
Additional support is available to help people attend their breast screening appointment and should let the screening service know as soon as possible. This includes support for those with a learning disability or mobility difficulties. People with breast implants, a pacemaker, who are pregnant or may be pregnant, or who have had a mammogram in the last six months are encouraged to contact the screening service. Women are also welcome to bring a carer, interpreter, friend or family member with them to their appointment.
“ Breast screening is key to supporting good women's health. It can detect signs of breast cancer at an early stage, often before any symptoms are noticed, when treatment is more likely to be successful.
I understand that some may feel nervous about attending or be unsure about what to expect. Screening appointments are carried out by experienced female mammographers who will explain the process, answer any questions and support women throughout their appointment.
The appointment itself is usually straightforward and takes around 30 minutes, with the mammogram taking just a few minutes. While some women may find it uncomfortable, any discomfort is temporary and staff will do everything they can to help make the experience as comfortable as possible.
If you receive an invitation, I encourage you to find out more and take up the opportunity. If you have missed an appointment or may be due for one, it is never too late to come forward. If you need additional support, have concerns about attending or need to rearrange your appointment, please contact the screening team who are happy to help you. “
“ Breast screening plays an important role in detecting breast cancer early, often before any symptoms are noticed.
We know that some women may feel unsure about attending breast screening, particularly if it is their first appointment. Our team is here to support women throughout the process and answer any questions they may have.
If you receive an invitation, we encourage you to attend. Breast screening can help detect cancer at an early stage and can provide reassurance when no changes are found.
It is also important to be familiar with what is normal for you and to check your breasts regularly. If something does not feel right, please don't wait for a screening invitation before seeking advice. Contact your GP as soon as possible if you notice any changes, such as a lump, swelling, changes in the size or shape of the breast, skin changes, nipple changes or discharge. “
To increase uptake, Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust’s Cancer Outreach Team is also carrying out targeted community engagement activity to help raise awareness of the programme and encourage eligible women to take up an appointment.
Anyone who receives an invitation is urged to attend their appointment.
Women aged over 71 can still request breast screening every three years, even though they no longer receive automatic invitations.
Anyone who has missed an appointment and wishes to rebook can contact the City, Sandwell and Walsall Breast Screening Service on 0121 507 4967 (option 1) or email swb-tr.cswbreastscreening@nhs.net.
To find out more about breast screening, visit the NHS website.
Further support
If you are undergoing treatment at the Manor Hospital, and require more information on your treatment, please contact your Cancer Nurse Specialist (CNS). They are key workers who give advice, guidance, and reassurance, ensuring your needs are met during treatment. The Living with and Beyond Cancer (LWBC) team is dedicated to supporting cancer patients from diagnosis through to recovery. The team’s primary aim is to empower you by ensuring you feel supported and well-informed at every stage. Their assistance can help increase your understanding of the services available to you.
People living with cancer, as well as those who have previously been diagnosed, frequently have specific emotional and practical support needs. For further help in these areas, please contact the Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust outreach team. They are equipped to provide emotional support and practical guidance tailored to your individual circumstances, helping you navigate both the challenges of treatment and the transition to life beyond cancer.
