HAIRDRESSERS across the district are backing a campaign encouraging women over 50 to take-up the offer of breast screening.

More than 40 salons in the region are displaying stickers and stocking leaflets promoting the message.

And others are being urged to get involved.

Women automatically receive their first invitation for breast screening between the age of 50 and 53, and are then invited every three years until they're 71.

But take-up rates are falling.

Hayley Snowden, healthy communities project manager with the West Yorkshire and Harrogate Cancer Alliance, said: "We have seen a worrying downwards trend, with more 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."

Among those backing the campaign is Terri Gregory, of Yorkshire Wedding Hair.

She said: "Often the only time we get as women to think about ourselves is when we are getting our hair or nails done, so it’s a fantastic opportunity to normalise the conversation about mammograms and breast cancer screening."

Salons interested in supporting the initiative should email michelle@wearemagpie.com.