A woman who lost her mum to breast cancer is saving lives of hundreds more women in the most incredible way.
Brenda Nasr, who lives in Brombrough, has made it her mission to increase uptake of breast cancer screening in one of the most health deprived parts of Liverpool after several close family members were diagnosed with the disease.
The GP practice manager, who works at Earl Road Medical Centre in Wavertree, started a campaign to raise awareness about breast cancer over a year ago, which has succeeded in boosting vital screening rates by over 20%.
The determined 69-year-old campaigned tirelessly to secure free bus passes and a translating service, allowing her to send letters about screening appointments, available at Broadgreen Hospital, in 10 different languages.
Speaking to the ECHO she said: “For the last 12 months I have been doing campaigning in the Picton neighbourhood. Breast screening was really really low. I was looking at ways how this could be increased.
“We have got to overcome language barriers, culture and there’s lots of poverty.
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“If you have not got your own transport, it’s not easy to get to Broad Green Hospital for an appointment. It’s two buses, costing about £5, or it’s about £9 in a taxi from Picton.
“I approached the national lottery, the postcode lottery, NHS England, I was getting nowhere.
“I was fed up going everywhere. They were probably hoping I would just give up, but that was not the case.”
After a difficult start Brenda had a break through with a local housing company, who funded the production of breast cancer screening leaflets in 10 different languages.
Merseytravel also agreed to provide 100 free bus passes per practice in the Picton area.
Brenda, who is originally from Toxteth, says she was determined to succeed in loving memory of her mum, Florence Cliffe, a doting nan who passed away at age 77 in 2004.
Her two aunties, cousin’s daughter and niece have also battled with breast cancer and doctors believe there could be a mutated cancer gene within the family.
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Brenda said: “The reason I took this on board is because my late mum had breast cancer.
“My mum had a lump, it was removed. Having had her lump removed she then had to have her left breast removed.
“I remember being in the room when the doctor told my mum they did not get all the cancer out. I fainted, I hit the floor.
“I absolutely believe in breast screening. If there is a problem and you get screening, it can be sorted. If you want to see your children and your grandchildren grow up, you owe it to yourself to get it sorted because if you don’t look after yourself, how can you look after your children?”
Brenda said that since starting her awareness raising, screening uptake has increased in Picton from 53% to 75%.
The GP practice manager, who has worked for the NHS for 45 years, said she has “no plans” to retire and may focus her efforts on cervical screening next.
The inspiring 69-year-old has overcome her own battle with uterine cancer – and is determined to save more lives by educating patients on the benefits of screening.
She said: “When I found out I had uterine cancer, I cried. I did not know what would happen to me. I thought, what would I like my legacy to be. I wanted it to be the education workshops we do at the practice. I want them to carry on so people have an informed choice [about screening].”
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Currently all women between 50 and 70 years who are registered with a GP are eligible for breast screening and should receive a letter inviting them to be screened between their 50th and 53rd birthday.
Brenda said anyone who would like to make enquiries about a free bus pass or leaflet in their language should contact the Earl Road Medical centre and ask for her.
People can also find out more information by contacting the Breast Screening Unit at Broadgreen Hospital on 0151 282 6920/6921 or by email to bscreening@rlbuht.nhs.uk.
Steve Rotheram, Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor, said: "It’s great that we have been able to help Brenda encourage more people to attend breast cancer screenings through our affordability project.
"Our Engagement team has a track record of supporting harder to reach groups in communities by providing transport solutions to access opportunities for education, employment and skills, and health.
"These passes can help those who would otherwise be unable to afford it travel to their appointments and could see multiple benefits including cost savings for the NHS by decreasing missed appointments and helping to detect any issues as early as possible.
“It may also build up people’s confidence and encourage them to use the bus more often, which will bring long-term economic and environmental benefits to the city region.”
