Screening experiences – Zaynab, Rotherham

We’re hearing from real people from across South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw about their experiences of cancer screening programmes.

Zaynab from Rotherham speaks to us about her experience of going for her breast screening appointment, what encouraged her to go and why it’s so important to take up screening invitations.

Hi Zaynab, thanks for meeting with us today. You’re going to tell us a bit about your breast screening experience. How did you feel when you were invited?

When I got my latest screening invitation letter, I was a bit apprehensive to go as I had been to a breast screening appointment before, and I had found it a bit painful.

So, when I received the letter this time, I just put it to one side and forgot about it for a while. Then in June, I attended a Rotherham Life Group event held in the Tesco community room. There was NHS staff, and a Cancer Alliance and Yorkshire Cancer Research Cancer Champion, there talking about screening. There was also a lady at the session who mentioned that her sister-in-law had been for screening and they had found a small lump which was thankfully treated early. This prompted me to book my appointment and reminded me of the importance of going.

I booked my appointment that day and was seen within a week.

Do you think having conversations about screening, and cancer in general, at community events is beneficial?

Yes definitely, I think we need to start talking more about cancer screening and signs and symptoms with our friends and family, and within the community and workplaces. It helps to remove some of the concerns around screening and highlights the importance of going, often using people’s first-hand experiences.

The invitation letter from the NHS isn’t personalised and is quite formal so it is easy to put to one side and forget about. But having a conversation with people at the event reminded me of the importance of going for my screening appointment.

Where was your appointment and how was it this time?

It was at Rotherham Hospital. It was good, I’m glad I went. It wasn’t painful like the last time. It could be that an existing condition I have, that causes me chronic pain, had made me more sensitive to the screening the first time I went.

The staff at Rotherham Hospital Breast Unit were all really helpful and friendly, from the receptionist who showed me the way, to the staff on the unit. I think it’s important to mention that the staff doing the mammogram (screening) were female, so this put me at ease too.

I was also impressed with how quick my appointment was. We need to find time for our health but often people don’t. When we have busy lives and jobs it can be difficult to try and fit in medical appointments, but I was seen really quickly and wasn’t there long at all, so it was convenient for me.

What would your advice be to other people who are nervous about or are putting off  attending their breast screening?

Just go – it could save your life. You can take a friend, family member or partner with you if you don’t want to go alone. I attended on my own but there were other women in there who had brought someone with them for support.

If you are worried or have any questions on the day just speak to the staff about it, they are helpful and want to make the experience as comfortable as possible for you. They’re there to help, there’s no need to be embarrassed.

It’s really important that people take the time to go to any screening appointments - be that breast, cervical or bowel - if there is something found then treating it as soon as possible gives you the best chance of survival.

I’m glad I went to my appointment and didn’t put it off longer. I’m now spreading the message amongst my friends and within the community to encourage people to attend screening.

Thanks Zaynab it’s been great speaking with you!

Thanks, you too.