Portsmouth mosque hosts breast health workshop with local health team to encourage screening attendance
The workshop aimed to provide information and assurance to the local community
Staff from Portsmouth Breast Screening Service held a breast health workshop at Portsmouth Jami Mosque in Southsea to bring information about breast cancer screening to the local community.
Working alongside staff from Breast Surgery, the team from Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust spoke with attendees about breast health, explained what people can expect when attending a screening appointment and answered questions about the process.
Breast screening can detect changes before they can be seen or felt, providing an opportunity to identify breast cancer at an earlier stage.
The workshop also provided an opportunity for people to discuss any concerns in order to help the health team to understand some of the potential barriers that may make it difficult for some people to engage with breast screening.
The British Islamic Medical Association has reported that breast cancer screening rates are 20% lower among Muslim women, compared to the national average.
Dr Amy Hurley Dugdale, Director of Breast Screening at QA Hospital, said: “Working directly with our communities is so important to help people feel informed, supported and confident about their breast health.
“Building relationships and having open conversations can help break down barriers and improve understanding of breast screening and the importance of early detection.
“It was a privilege to meet with members of our local community and share information that could ultimately help to save lives.”