Breast Screening (Mammogram)

What is Breast Screening?

Breast Screening is a very important test offered to women every 3 years to find breast cancers early. Screening is done by using an X-Ray test called a mammogram that can spot cancers when they're too small to see or feel.

When will I be invited for breast screening?

You'll automatically get your first invite for breast screening between the ages of 50 and 53. Then you'll be invited every 3 years until you turn 71.

• If you have not been invited for breast screening by the time you are 53 and think you should have been, contact your local breast screening service.
  
  
• If you are 71+ you will not automatically be invited for breast screening, but you can still have breast screening every 3 years if you want to. You will need to call your local breast screening service to ask for an appointment.

If you're trans or non-binary
If you're a trans man, trans woman or are non-binary how you are invited will depend on the sex you are registered with at a GP:

• if you're registered as female with a GP you will automatically be invited for breast screening
• if you're registered as male with a GP you will not automatically be invited for breast screening
  
  

What to do if you were assigned female at birth

• If you've not had top surgery (surgery to remove the breasts and have male chest reconstruction), you can have breast screening.

Find breast screening units in your area

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What does a Breast Screening test involve?

Breast screening involves having an X-ray (mammogram) at a special clinic or mobile breast screening unit. This is done by a female health practitioner called a mammographer.

You should call your breast screening unit (contact details will be on your invitation letter) before your appointment in certain situations:

• If you have a physical disability or find climbing steps difficult. This is so your screening unit can make any necessary arrangements for you.
  
  
• If you have breast implants. Mammography can be less effective in women who have breast implants because the X-rays cannot "see" through the implant to the breast tissue behind it. You'll usually be able to have a mammogram, but let the screening staff know beforehand.
  
  
• If you have had a mammogram recently, or are pregnant or breastfeeding. You may be advised to delay breast screening.

The Examination:

• Upon your arrival the staff will check your details and ask you about any breast problems you have had. You can also ask any questions you may have.
  
  
• You'll need to undress to the waist.
  
  
• The mammographer will then explain what will happen. She'll then place your breast onto the mammogram machine and lower a plastic plate onto it gently but firmly to flatten it. This helps keep your breast still and ensures a clear X-ray.
• .Once your test is completed the mammogram will be checked for any abnormalities. The results of the mammogram will be sent to you and your GP within 2 weeks of your appointment.

PLEASE NOTE: If you are worried about breast cancer symptoms such as a lump or your breasts look or feel different from what's normal for you, do not wait to be invited for breast screening. Contact the surgery to arrange an appointment with a GP. 

For further information about Breast Screening please click HERE

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