WOMEN concerned about breast cancer are being urged to visit their GP, as a vital screening service remains suspended indefinitely.

The North London Breast Screening Service (NLBSS), which cares for patients across south west Hertfordshire, has been out of action since before Christmas after inconsistencies were found in the way staff carried out procedures.

The "system processes" which were found to be at fault were not medical, meaning screenings were unaffected.

But since the Quality Assurance Service found the problems, all appointments have been cancelled and no date has been given the restart of screenings.

Regular breast screenings are an essential tool in the battle against breast cancer for women aged between 50 and 70, who have appointments every three years.

Breast screening service staff are now supporting the external audit, reviewing protocols and taking part in staff training.

Hertsmere MP James Clappison is concerned that some women may suffer because of the suspended screenings.

He said: "They're routine tests but sometimes cases are picked up and the longer the delay the longer cases that are usually picked up are not treated.

"The service has to be resumed as soon as possible."

Sal Brinton, the Liberal Democrat prospective parliamentary candidate for Watford, was contacted by women who became worried when they hadn't received their next appointment.

Ms Brinton said: "Should there be any longer delay, I urge the local primary care trust to find an alternative service: the Breast Screening Service is a vital tool in our fight against breast cancer."

Dr Alexis Willett, Breakthrough Breast Cancer senior information and policy officer, said: "Regular screening is vitally important as mammograms can detect breast cancer at a very early stage, before any symptoms might be noticed.

"However, most breast cancers are detected by women themselves, if anyone does notice unusual changes in their breasts they should still go to their GP who, if necessary, can refer them for further tests."

A representative of Barnet and Chase Farm NHS Trust, which manages the NLBSS, said: "We're setting out a timeline in terms of when the review can be finished and when it will be clinically safe to reopen the service.

"The last thing we want to do is run a service for patients that is not as safe as it should be.

"We want to get it right so patients get the best care possible.

"If women are really worried and have noticed changes with their breasts, they should go to their GP as normal."