Imagine a world where breast cancer is detected early, long before any signs or symptoms emerge.

A world where individuals receive timely treatment, significantly improving their chances of survival. This is the vision the West Berkshire Breast Screening Programme is committed to achieving.

Amanda Melhuish, Clinical Director & Consultant Mammographer explained: “Breast cancer impacts countless lives, with 1 in 7 women and approximately 370 men diagnosed annually. Early detection is crucial for improving patient outcomes and ensuring that our community members receive the highest quality breast cancer screening.

“Working with the Royal Berks Charity we have launched a special appeal to raise £130,000 for a new mammography machine for our mobile screening unit, and we are thrilled to announce that the League of Friends of Berkshire Hospitals has made a whopping £32,500 donation.”

The League have been generous supporters of the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust for many years and Charlotte Haitham Taylor, Vice Chair said: “Our charity’s prime objective is to help fund clinical work for the benefit of the wider community. Hence, we are pleased to make a contribution to the invaluable Breast Screening Programme”. 

Amanda added: “We are incredibly grateful to Charlotte and the team for their support, and to Cisco that has supported the appeal by walking the Portuguese route of the Camino Way, raising a phenomenal £18,000, and HPE who raised funds by taking part in the Reading Half Marathon in April.”

A breast cancer diagnosis can be a shocking and upsetting experience. However, with early detection, the likelihood of survival increases dramatically.

This advanced equipment will transform the lives of those in our local communities by making breast cancer screening more accessible.

By bringing this vital service closer to home, it will reduce the time required for mammograms, cut down on rescheduled appointments, and minimise unnecessary biopsies, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes from surgical interventions.

Georges Lalahy, from Cisco said: “We, at Cisco, are very proud to support the Royal Berks Charity and its breast screening appeal. Our team has walked a challenging 100km Camino route - we are all pleased to have made a difference to our local hospital and our local community.”

As you've read this message, another person has been diagnosed with breast cancer, and by supporting our campaign you can help ensure that everyone in our community has access to the best possible breast cancer screening, offering them hope through early detection and improved survival rates.

Every donation, regardless of size, makes a meaningful impact on the lives of those we serve. By supporting our cause, you will be helping to greatly enhance the patient experience and ensuring that the West Berkshire Breast Screening Programme continues to provide top-tier care to our communities.