October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and on Tuesday, 27 October 2026 the West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (WSFT) is inviting women to a breast screening open day in Bury St Edmunds. This event will offer breast screening to women and people with breasts who are eligible for breast screening, and give attendees the opportunity to discuss any concerns they have or barriers they experience which affect them attending their appointments.
The open day also provides an opportunity to look inside the unit and see the equipment used for carrying out mammograms, ask any questions and discuss concerns, and talk to staff to find out more about the services they provide. The event is not just open to those who receive breast screening – women aged 50 and over – but anyone can attend and ask any questions they have.
The mobile breast screening unit will be open at Glasswells car park, Newmarket Road, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3TU from 10am to 2pm, providing an opportunity to meet the breast screening team, find out more about the service and, for those eligible, have their breast screening carried out on the day.
The open day is particularly aimed at people who may find it difficult to access healthcare, including women experiencing homelessness, those living in a refuge centre or temporary accommodation, and people who may face other practical or personal barriers to attending routine screening appointments.
Sarah Holtby-Smith, Breast Imaging Service Manager, said:
“We know that there can be many reasons why people may find it difficult to access breast screening, and we want to make our service as accessible and welcoming as possible.
“This open day is an opportunity for you to come along, meet our team and find out more about screening in a relaxed environment. If you are eligible and would like to be screened, there will be an opportunity to have your screening on the day, subject to availability.
“For anyone who feels nervous about breast screening, simply coming along to see the mobile unit, look at the equipment and talk to our staff can be a really useful first step. There is no pressure to have a screening appointment.”
The team is committed to providing a welcoming, respectful, and supportive service, recognising that everyone has different circumstances and experiences.
If anyone is interested in attending and has any questions, please contact Michelle Glasswell or Kellii Rogers on 01284 713941.
