Nearly four in ten eligible women in Thurrock and Southend do not attend their vital breast screening appointments.
Southend-on-Sea City Council has relocated the city's mobile breast screening unit from Warrior Square to the Civic Centre on Victoria Avenue, in partnership with the Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust - Southend University Hospital Breast Screening Service.
The move will improve accessibility and privacy. Relocating to the Civic Centre ensures a central, well-lit, managed environment, with easier transport links and improved visibility for the service.
Cllr Maxine Sadza, Cabinet Member for Social Care and Healthier Communities, said: "For many women, especially those coming for the very first time, breast screening can feel daunting. I want every woman in Southend to know that you won't be rushed, you won't be judged, and you won't be alone; our clinicians are warm, gentle and absolutely committed to your comfort.
"We moved the mobile unit to the Civic Centre because women told us they wanted somewhere that felt more welcoming and accessible. This new location is brighter, calmer and more convenient. It's a place where you can take a breath, walk in and take an important step for your future health.
"With nearly 40% of eligible women in Southend still missing their appointments, my heartfelt message is this: if this is your first screening invitation, please don't put it off. Your health is worth that short moment of your time."
Why this move matters
Nearly four in ten eligible women in Thurrock and Southend do not attend their vital breast screening appointments, meaning early signs may be missed. Breast cancer remains the most common cancer in the UK, but screening can detect early changes before symptoms develop, dramatically improving the chances of successful treatment.
Dr Elizabeth Towers, Macmillan GP and Mid and South Essex System Clinical Lead for Cancer, said: "We welcome the relocation of the mobile breast screening unit to a more accessible location, making it easier for women to attend their screening appointments.
"Breast screening saves lives by detecting cancer early, often before any symptoms appear. Attending your screening appointment when invited is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your health. Early detection provides more treatment options and significantly improves outcomes.
"We understand that some women may feel anxious about screening, and we want to reassure our community that appointments are quick, private and provided by experienced clinicians who are committed to delivering respectful, compassionate care in a supportive environment."
Recent data from Southend-on-Sea City Council's "Southend Breast Cancer Screening Insights Report (2024)" shows that:
- convenience, privacy and a calm environment were among the most important factors influencing attendance
- most women who attended described clinicians as reassuring, gentle, clear and supportive
- awareness is high (97% understand the benefits), but knowledge of the screening procedure itself is low, particularly among ethnic minority women
- pain and embarrassment fears disproportionately affect first-timers
- younger women were more likely to feel nervous or unsure what to expect
- lack of a clear recommendation (especially from a GP) was the number one reason women gave for not attending
- most women said texts or emails made attendance more likely
The new Civic Centre location directly addresses some of these barriers by offering a more predictable, comfortable and welcoming environment, designed to reduce anxiety for those attending for the very first time.
Who is eligible and how to book
Now is the ideal time to act.
Women aged 50 to 70 registered as female with their GP are invited for breast screening in geographical patches (based on their postcode) every three years. Women over 71 can self-refer for an appointment.
The next screening round for Southend runs from 2 February to 31 December 2026, with some weekend clinics continuing where possible due to their popularity during recent trials. The upcoming February phase will focus on first-time screeners in the Shoebury area from February to May, followed by Westcliff from June to December.
To book, change or discuss your screening, you can call the South Essex (Southend) Breast Screening Service on 03004435422. All women are strongly encouraged to attend or reschedule to a suitable time.
For general information about what to expect at your breast screening appointment and to watch a video demystifying the screening process, visit Mid and South Essex Integrated Care System.