Hundreds of breast cancer checks have been cancelled because of staff shortages.

About 800 routine mammograms at Brighton's mobile screening unit have been postponed for four to six weeks while the Royal Sussex County Hospital recruits new admin staff.

Women who already have symptoms of cancer will still be seen.

The routine screening is part of a nationwide programme inviting women aged between 50 and 70 to have a mammogram, an X-ray of the breasts, every three years.

The latest research indicates that 10,000 instances of breast cancer are detected annually through screening in the UK, and around 1,600 lives are saved.

Sarah Brodie-Carpenter, 60, of Vernon Terrace, Brighton, is among the patients who have received a letter informing them of the cancellations.

She said: "I had to read it several times because I couldn't quite believe it. It is absolutely outrageous.

"I recently had a check-up and touch wood I'm alright, but I am very concerned for other women affected by this.

"I rang the telephone number but all I got was an answer machine with a very confused message which said something about staff being sick.

"It is appalling. They should at least have an emergency number women can call if they're worried."

A spokeswoman for the hospital said there are currently four vacancies within the team of 12 workers who co-ordinate and manage the sending and processing of invitations for the screening programme.

The vacancies are due to retirement and long-term sick leave.

The hospital's two mobile units which travel around the rest of East Sussex will still operate as normal.

Duncan Selbie, chief executive of Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals, said the suspension was "about making patient safety our number one priority".

He said: "Regrettably we have had to write to women who were due to be screened at our mobile screening unit in Brighton to cancel their appointments.

"These appointments will be rescheduled as quickly as possible once the administrative team is up to full strength.

"Our breast screening unit provides an excellent clinical service with some of the highest detection rates in the country. This temporary suspension of the screening service is not related to clinical quality and will not affect the service for women who have symptoms of breast cancer."

A spokesman for Breast Cancer Care said: "From speaking to people on our helpline we know the impact that delays in mammography can cause.

"Detecting a change early means that if cancer is diagnosed, then any treatment may be more successful. The thought that you could miss out on this through delays in the screening programme can cause a great deal of concern and anxiety.

"As well as accepting invitations to regular breast screening, it is essential that women are breast aware between screenings so that they can report any changes in their breast directly to their GP."

What do you think about the cancellation of breast screening appointments? Have you been affected by the suspension? Leave your comments below or call Rachel Wareing on 01273 544547.

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