REDUCING the current screening age for breast cancer could save lives across Barnsley, according to a councillor who has successfully battled the disease.
Coun Margaret Sheard, who represents the Monk Bretton ward, was diagnosed with breast cancer 23 years ago having noticed an ache which prompted her to get checked out.
Having been 43 at the time, a mammogram uncovered a malignant tumour and Coun Sheard a former senior nurse at Barnsley Hospital underwent a major operation as well as courses of radiotherapy and chemotherapy before spending 16 years on tamoxifen, medication commonly used following treatment.
With the screening age currently set at 50, Coun Sheard has appealed to eligible women to improve percentage rates and wants health bosses to reduce the age something she says will save young women’s lives.
“I went for a check-up before Christmas and there was only me in the waiting room,” Coun Sheard told the Chronicle.
“It got me thinking why, so clearly not enough women are going for screenings and one of the reasons could be because of the current age limit.
“I think 50 is too high there are women being diagnosed with breast cancer is their 20s, their 30s and their 40s, and it’s very much up to them to seek help when they find out.
“Screening rates in Barnsley aren’t bad at all but if there’s say 70 per cent taking it up, what about the remaining 30 per cent? It’s these women who we need to be encouraging.
“It’s earth-shattering news to receive and it really is a matter of life and death. When I was diagnosed I had three young children and it really is impossible to put into words how that felt. No-one knows what it’s truly like until they’ve experienced it.”
In Barnsley, cancer is the biggest killer, accounting for 31 per cent of deaths, which is slightly above the national average of 29 per cent.
According to a report from the Barnsley Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) which is in charge of healthcare in the town  cancer prevention, improving early diagnosis and primary care remains one of its key priorities.
Breast cancer screening rates in Barnsley currently stand at 77.8 per cent six per cent above the national average.
“Collectively cancer accounts for 29.1 per cent of the gap between the Barnsley and England average for female life expectancy,” the report said.
“With key stakeholders, the CCG has developed a local plan to implement the key priorities outlined in the national cancer strategy to increase screening uptake.
“Key to implementation of this plan is the involvement of GPs, who are a point of contact for someone with cancer and are involved in important milestones during their treatment.
“Empowering those working in primary care can contribute to earlier diagnosis, improve patients’ experiences and help make major improvements in cancer survival rates.
“Screening rates for Barnsley is varied across communities. Research shows that GP endorsement of screening programmes achieves better participation than a centralised invitation letter.”
Breast cancer is one of four most common cancers alongside lung, prostate and colorectal, accounting for 50 per cent of all cancer-related deaths in Barnsley.
Coun Sheard added: “The loss of one life to breast cancer is too much but I still want women to go and get checked out.
“It doesn’t matter if you feel silly going or like you’re wasting a doctor’s time, it’s important to just go for peace of mind.”
