Breast Screening Programme

Breast screening uses a breast x-ray called a mammogram to take images of the inside of your breasts. Specialists will then look at your mammogram for signs of abnormal changes to your breasts.

Regular breast screening is one of the best ways to spot a cancer that is too small to feel or see. Cancer detected earlier is often easier to treat and less invasive.

As detailed in your invite letter, please inform us if any of the following apply:

• You have a learning disability or mobility problems and need additional support, such as a carer to come with you
• You have booked hospital transport
• You need information in another format or language
• You have breast implants
• You have a pacemaker or any other implanted medical device.

This will enable us to book an appropriate time slot for your appointment.

Please inform us if you have had a mammogram in the last six months as we do not undertake mammograms within a six-month period.

At your appointment the reception staff will confirm your details and give you information about how you will receive your results. You will then be asked to wait in the main waiting area. From the waiting area a mammographer (who will ALWAYS be a female Radiographer) will take you to a private changing room, where she will ask you the following questions: your name, address and questions about your health.

After the mammographer has gone through the questions with you, you will be asked to remove your clothes from above your waist. It is best to wear separates, such as a skirt or trousers and top, rather than a dress. You can then put your cardigan/coat/shawl around your shoulders while you wait in the changing room to help keep you covered and warm, as we do not provide gowns unless requested in advance.

You will then be taken directly into the x-ray room. The mammographer will show you the equipment used to carry out the mammogram, and you will be able to ask questions about the test. The mammographer usually takes two x-rays of each breast, with any additional x-rays if required. During the mammogram, the mammographer will guide you into the correct positions needed.

To obtain the highest quality mammogram requires the breasts to be held firmly in place, (one at a time) between two flat plastic plates. The pressure can feel tight, and uncomfortable for some women, but only lasts a few seconds for each x-ray taken. After your mammogram, the mammographer will take you back to your changing cubicle, where you will then be able to get dressed and leave the unit.

You will receive your results in the post.

Results

Your mammogram is reviewed by two specialist film readers, and the results are sent to your home address. Your GP or doctor is also notified of your results.

Most women will not need any further tests because there is no abnormality detected.

Women with an abnormality detected on their screening mammogram will be recalled to the breast unit for further investigation.

You can book or change an appointment in the following situations:

• You have received your NHS screening invite letter, and the date or time is not convenient 
• You missed your last invited NHS screening appointment and would like to book a new appointment
• You are aged over 70 and it has been more than three years since your last routine breast screening appointment, and you would like to self-refer and book an appointment.

Contact the Breast Screening Unit using the phone number and email address provided on this page.

You can also use the link on the appointment text message to request a change to your allocated appointment or to cancel the appointment.

It is important to check your breasts or chest regularly around once a month for symptoms of breast cancer. Use the TLC method.

Touch

Use your fingers to gently press on the entire breast area, including the armpits and up to the collarbone.

Look

Look for any changes.

Check

If you notice any new or unusual changes – see your GP. Know your normal, make it a habit. Early detection saves lives

Q: How long does it take?

A: Each appointment slot is six minutes. Most of this time is spent getting into position for the mammogram. The x-ray, and compression, only takes a few seconds.

Q: Does it hurt?

A: The breast needs to be compressed to achieve an image that is of high diagnostic quality. Some women find the compression uncomfortable but not painful. If you feel concerned or worried about pain during your mammogram, you can discuss this with the mammographer at your appointment.

Q: When will I get my results?

A: Your results arrive by letter in the post, usually two to three weeks after your appointment.

Q: Do I get a gown?

A: No, it is best to wear separate clothing, such as a skirt or trousers and top, rather than a dress. You can put your cardigan/coat/shawl around your shoulders while you wait in the changing room to help keep you covered and warm, as we do not provide gowns unless requested in advance.

All women aged between 50-70 who are registered with a GP are invited to attend breast screening. This invitation is co-ordinated with GP practices.

Results letters are usually issued within two weeks of your screening appointment.

Aim is to issue results letters within two weeks of the screening appointment.

Video resources

Websites

• Breast Cancer Now
• NHS breast screening (BSP) programme
• Cancer Research UK
• Macmillan Cancer Support
• CoppaFeel.