A Local MP has welcomed major investment in breast cancer screening at Nuffield Health Chester, the Grosvenor Hospital.

Aphra Brandreth, MP for Chester South and Eddisbury, has emphasised the need to improve access to early breast cancer detection.

This follows new research which reveals many women across the UK are putting off breast screenings due to anxiety or fear of discomfort.

Among women who have previously undergone a mammogram, 40% reported experiencing pain, 26% of women cited anxiety and nearly 15% expressed concerns about discomfort as reasons for avoiding future screenings.

In a bid to make the experience more accurate, less invasive and more comfortable for women, Nuffield Health Chester, the Grosvenor Hospital, has enhanced its breast cancer screening service.

Aphra Brandreth, said: "It's fantastic to see such a strong and proactive commitment to women's health here in Chester and across the North West.

"Early detection is absolutely critical in the fight against breast cancer, and the additional capacity this brings to our region is a real step forward."

The hospital, which serves NHS and private patients across the North West and North Wales, has invested in advanced 3D mammography technology.

The new Senographe Pristina from GE HealthCare gives a clearer 3D image for faster diagnosis, while using the same low radiation dose as a 2D scan.

The machine moves around and adapts to the patient for a more comfortable experience, and comes with the ability for biopsies to be performed with the aid of 3D images during the mammogram.

This reduces the need for additional appointments, easing pressure on wait times and leads to faster diagnosis for women.

Aphra Brandreth added: "It's deeply concerning that so many women are avoiding screenings but after seeing the new technology and speaking with the dedicated team here today, the message is clear: breast screening is now more comfortable, more accurate, and more accessible than ever.

"There is nothing to fear and it could save your life."

Viki Williams, hospital director at Nuffield Health Chester, the Grosvenor Hospital, said: "This investment in advanced mammography technology marks a significant step forward in women's health.

"By making the screening process more comfortable and less intimidating, we hope to break down barriers that prevent women from attending.

"These machines are designed with comfort in mind – adjusting to the patient, requiring less compression of the breast, and taking images faster.

"Image quality is improving all the time, ensuring our consultants can provide accurate diagnosis with greater confidence, and women receive the answers they need sooner."

Breast cancer remains the most common cancer in the UK, with a woman diagnosed every 10 minutes. However, survival rates have doubled over the past 50 years - driven by earlier detection, improved diagnostics and advancements in treatment.

Despite the benefits of early detection, screening coverage has declined since 2019, with only 64.6% of eligible women attending an NHS screening in 2022-23.

The investment announced today is part of a broader collaboration with GE HealthCare, which will see Nuffield Health invest £200 million in the latest AI-enabled diagnostic imaging technology across its UK hospital network.