WOMEN being screened for breast cancer in West Devon and East Cornwall can be assured they are being cared for by one of the best centres in the region, according to the latest independent figures. New statistics for 2006/7 show that the West Devon and East Cornwall Screening Unit, based at Derriford Hospital, tops the ratings in several categories when compared with other centres in the South West. The statistics for the outcome measures of all the breast screening units in the South West are collated independently by the Quality Assurance Body. One of the outcomes measured is the detection ratio of cancers. The West Devon and East Cornwall Screening Unit had the highest detection ratio of 1.57, meaning that the unit found 57% more cancers than would be expected, compared with a range of between 1.2 and 1.57 regionally. The unit also had the highest number of cancers caught at the earliest stage possible — the stage where cancer cells are still within breast ducts. Plymouth found 2.82 of these cancers per 1,000 women screened, compared with the national average of 1.36 per 1,000 women screened. The screening unit invited 19,390 women of appropriate age in the year 2006/7. Dr Jim Steel, director of breast screening for West Devon and East Cornwall, said: 'These outcomes mean that the women we screen have a very, very good chance that, if they have cancer, we will find it at an early stage, when the prospects for successful treatment are at their highest. 'I would also like to praise the women of the region for attending screening appointments, because we had the highest overall uptake rate of any area. Of the women we invited for screening, 81.6% came, compared with a regional average/national average of 74.1%.' Sheila Coates, from Princetown, recently attended for screeening. After her mammogram, she was recalled and underwent two biopsies but the results of these were clear. Sheila, 55, said: 'It is a brilliant service. Everyone connected with the screening programme was so caring and helpful. I would encourage anyone who is called for screening to go, because it is probably a lifesaver. 'The mammograms aren't painful at all. I was frightened when I was recalled but I was dealt with so well and I feel like I have won the lottery now my results have come back all clear.'
