Women in Redbridge have been encouraged to take part in routine NHS breast screening in a bid to increase early detection of cancer.

Redbridge Council’s Public Health team, in collaboration with the NHS and InHealth, have invited eligible women in the borough to a mobile unit at Sainsbury’s in Ilford for their screening.

The newly opened site is specifically for women aged between 50 and 71 living in Redbridge postcodes, with the mobile unit a female-only environment.

Breast cancer is the UK's most common cancer, affecting around one in every seven women.

However, with more survivors than ever due to improved awareness, screening and treatment, early detection remains crucial.

Gladys Xavier, director of public health and commissioning in Redbridge, said: "Regular breast screening is one of the best ways to spot a cancer that is too small to feel or see.

"Breast screening saves around 1,300 lives each year in the UK.

"Finding cancer early can make it more likely that treatment will be successful."

She added: "With our NHS partners, we are supporting the opening of the new breast screening site in Ilford.

"This new location will increase access to breast screening for women across Redbridge, and help more people receive an early diagnosis."

Councillor Mark Santos, cabinet member for public health, said: "We are driven to improve the health and wellbeing of people in Redbridge.

"This new screening service will bring peace of mind to most people, and early detection and better treatment for those who need it.

"Screening doesn't take long, and the mobile unit is friendly, secure and private."

Screening serves as a preventative measure focusing on identifying individuals who might be at risk of health conditions.

The NHS offers a variety of screening tests to different demographics, with the aim of directing screening efforts where they are most needed.

This includes cervical screenings offered to women aged 25 to 64 and bowel cancer screenings offered to everyone aged 60 to 74.

Women over 70 can self-refer for breast screening, and those 75 or older can request a bowel cancer screening kit by calling their screening helpline.