A WOMAN in Baildon is among 40 hairdressers across West Yorkshire who are encouraging women over the age of 50 to prioritise their mammograms.

Research commissioned by West Yorkshire and Harrogate Cancer Alliance found that just 22% of women over the age of 50 ranked booking a mammogram appointment as the most important thing to do on a typical day.

Hayley Snowden, Healthy Communities Project Manager with the Cancer Alliance, said: “We have seen a worrying downward trend of women choosing not to take up their opportunity for breast cancer screening. With four in every 200 screenings resulting in a positive case of breast cancer, we would urge all women to make booking their mammogram, when invited, their top priority.”

Peelable stickers that encourage women to have a conversation with their hairdresser about breast screening are cropping up on the mirrors of hairdressers across the county.

Terri Gregory, from Yorkshire Wedding Hair and Makeup and who runs a salon in Baildon, said: “Often the only time we get as women to think about ourselves is when we’re getting our hair or nails done. You literally have to sit down at this time, so it’s a fantastic opportunity to normalise the conversation about mammograms and breast cancer screening.

“It’s about encouraging women to stop putting off something that could save their life. Those women who have been invited to be screened can make the appointment while having their hair done.”

For more information about breast screening for women aged over 50 visit breastscreeningaware.co.uk

Hairdressers who would like to support the campaign can contact michelle@wearemagpie.com