Women in Kirklees are being urged to attend breast screening appointments with the warning - it could save your life.
Shock figures reveal that a quarter of those eligible are not turning up for tests.
And research shows the number of women attending screening is falling year-on-year.
In this Breast Cancer Awareness Month, local health professionals are asking all women aged 50 to 70 to make sure they attend screening tests.
According to latest data, the number of women attending screening across West Yorkshire is decreasing year-on-year. In Kirklees, 76.3per cent of women were screened in 2013 compared to 75.9per cent in 2014
There is also a low awareness about symptoms. Around a third of all women in England diagnosed with breast cancer report a symptom other than a lump. However, research shows that when asked to name symptoms, only half of women over 70 could name one aside from a lump.
Other symptoms include: a change in the size, shape or feel of a breast; dimpling of the skin; a change in the shape of or a rash on the nipple.
In 2013, 890 women in Yorkshire and the Humber died of breast cancer.
Dr David Kelly, a local GP and chairman of NHS North Kirklees Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “The older you get, the more important it is to be aware of your body. If you do notice a change in your breasts, see your GP as soon as you can.
“The chances are it’s nothing serious but it might need attention and if diagnosed earlier, treatment can be a lot more successful.”
Dr Steve Ollerton, a local GP and clinical chairman of NHS Greater Huddersfield CCG, said: “Family and friends should encourage loved ones to seek medical help if they say they have symptoms.
“Some women feel they are too old for certain things, but unfortunately breast cancer isn’t one of them.”
Dr Khan. associate medical director for Yorkshire and the Humber, said: “We understand that any type of medical testing can be daunting, but breast screening is a prime example of how a quick, painless test can save your life.
“We encourage all women aged 50-70 in Kirklees who are eligible to take up the offer.”
Information on breast screening is on the NHS Screening Programme website http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer-screening
