FOUR of the region's top hockey players have pitched in with support for the Scottish Borders mobile breast screening unit.

And the internationalists, Janet Jack, Jackie Wilson, Carolyn Allison and Moira Anderson are encouraging patients in Galashiels to make an appointment.

Letters have been sent out to women registered at Galashiels Medical Practice with offers of appointments.

Anyone who doesn't take advantage of the mobile unit, which will be based at the rear of Galashiels Health Centre until the first week of July, will have to wait three years for its return.

Ancrum's Janet Jack, who has 172 Scotland and 17 GB caps, told us: "I’d absolutely encourage every woman who gets a letter, even just for peace of mind, to ensure they keep their appointments with the screening unit or phone to rearrange it if they’ve been unable to attend."

After July the mobile unit will head to other towns in the Borders.

Carolyn Allison from Duns, who plays for Scotland Over 50s, added: "The earlier something is detected, the better the chance is for treatment to be successful.

"This is something not to be messed about with – screening is a must for women who have been invited.”

Since the unit arrived in Galashiels the screenings have detected early breast cancer.

And early detection greatly improves survival rates.

Anyone who lives in the Galashiels area and hasn't been able to attend a breast screening appointment can call the Breast Screening Centre on 0131 5377400 to rearrange a date.

Julieann Brennan, NHS Borders screening coordinator, believes it is important that all women who have received an invitation to attend for breast screening should do so.

"There is concern locally that some women who’ve been called for screening are not attending, which may leave them at a higher risk of not detecting breast cancer early. If cancer is detected in the early stages there is a much better chance of successful treatment.

“Please don’t miss your chance to get checked in Galashiels. Screening saves lives.”