International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics

A fleet of breast cancer screening units in Wales, UK, are to be upgraded with a £1 million investment.

Seven new mobile testing units will be introduced in the country, replacing the former units used by Breast Test Wales, first minister of the Welsh Assembly Government, Carwyn Jones announced.

By January 2011 the units should be operational. They will be far more accessible to disabled and older women.

"In addition to enabling easier access for disabled patients, the new units will ensure Breast Test Wales can sustain its service in the long term, providing patients with access to this vital screening in convenient locations across Wales," said Mr Jones.

Over the next few years, Breast Test Wales plans to modernise its facilities in order to provide women with improved screening services.

According to the latest data available from Cancer Research UK, in 2007 there were 47,500 women diagnosed with breast cancer, which is the equivalent of around 125 women each day.

Over the last 25 years, the incidence of breast cancer has increased by 50 per cent.

Posted by Paul Robertson