AS PART of its ongoing campaign to beat breast cancer, Durham and Darlington Primary Care Trust is staging an event in east Durham today.

The trust is holding a breast cancer awareness day in Murton Library, between 10am and 12.30pm, and from 1.30pm to 3pm.

The trust's Talking about Cancer team will be encouraging women in the Easington District to be more breast aware, especially those over 50, who are the most at risk.

Breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer in the UK, with 41,700 new cases detected each year.

Breast screening is a vital tool in saving lives and reducing the need for mastectomies by allowing early detection of the disease.

All woman aged between 50 and 70 are offered a mammogram every three years.

Evidence shows that the use of mammograms has reduced mortality rates by a third since introduction in 1988.

The event has also been organised to coincide with national breast cancer awareness.

Sharon Smith, of the trust, said: "There is no doubt that breast screening saves lives through early diagnosis. All women should make sure not to miss out on their screening."