A special event has been held to boost breast screening among women with learning disabilities.

The event, called 'My Breasts and Me', is now in its fifth year and aims to increase breast screening uptake in Worcestershire.

It is a joint effort by the Community Learning Disability Teams from Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust, and the Worcestershire Breast Unit Haven, run by Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust.

Read more: Ex student police officer blamed his speeding on his family

The event, designed by specialist community learning disability nurses, combines breast screening awareness with a day of games and activities centred around breast health.

At the event, nurses from the Worcestershire Breast Unit demonstrated how to perform a self-breast examination and explained what to do if any changes or abnormalities are noticed.

Attendees also had the chance to meet radiographers and tour the unit, familiarising themselves with the mammogram equipment used to check breasts for signs of cancer.

Saff Davies, community learning disability nurse at the trust, said: "Over the last five years, more than 100 women from across Worcestershire have attended the ‘My Breasts and Me’ events.

"By combining practical guidance with a supportive and accessible event, we hope we can reduce anxieties around breast screening and encourage more women to attend their breast screening appointments.

"We also want to ensure that families and carers know of the importance of breast screening in detecting cancer early and how they can support their loved ones to attend routine screening appointments."

Rachel King, breast care specialist nurse at the unit, said: "Together with my colleagues at the Breast Unit, we collaborated with the Worcestershire Community Learning Disability teams to host these events annually since 2019.

"They have been really well attended and it’s so rewarding seeing the ladies and their carers taking an active role in managing their breast health."

Most women in the county are routinely invited for NHS breast screening every three years between the ages of 47 and 70 years.

Anyone experiencing symptoms or changes in their breasts, of any age, should contact their GP, even if they have recently had a clear breast screening.