St John and St Elizabeth Hospital campaigns to tackle breast screening fears

Misconceptions about mammograms can create anxiety or hesitation, stopping women from attending their examinations. St John and St Elizabeth Hospital, London, wants to encourage more women to feel confident and informed ahead of their breast screening, reassuring them that it is quick, safe and usually only mildly uncomfortable.

According to the charity Age UK, every year around two million women in the UK attend breast screening. Yet there are 14 million women aged 50 or above in the UK who are eligible for breast screening. That means six in seven women are not being checked.

While some pain and discomfort may be felt during the mammogram, it is usually brief. Breast cancer nurse specialist Sara Moro explained: “Feeling tense or anxious is completely natural, whether due to uncertainty or past experiences. Our specialist team is here with compassion and expertise, providing ongoing support every step of the way.”

For patients attending their first breast screening, the hospital gives reassurance and advice. Senior radiographer Nasima Khandakar added: “For the mammogram, we recommend avoiding wearing deodorant on the underarms as it can leave specks on the screen. We let patients have breaks in between, letting them proceed at their own pace. With the NHS it is four-and-a-half to six minutes, whereas here there is no set time.”

Picture: Senior radiographer Nasima Khandakar with breast cancer nurse specialist Sara Moro.

Read this report on page 17 of the October 2025 issue of RAD Magazine.