Responding to the latest vacancy rates among screening mammographers, Rachael Franklin, interim chief executive at Breast Cancer Now, said:
“These shocking staff shortages in mammography in the NHS are contributing to delays in people with breast cancer receiving a diagnosis and accessing life-changing treatments that could give them the best chance of survival.
“Breast Cancer Now’s No Time to Waste campaign is calling for urgent investment into the breast screening programme to guarantee women’s access to screening, now and in the future. The new UK government must prioritise tackling the workforce crisis to ensure its sustainability, recruiting, training, retaining and supporting staff to ensure that cancer patients receive the care they deserve.
“Anyone looking for support or information about breast cancer can speak to our expert nurses by calling our free helpline on 0808 800 6000.”