Breast Screening (Mammogram)

23% of breast cancers are preventable (Cancer Research UK, 2015), which means by making healthy choices you can reduce your risk of developing a breast cancer.

What is breast screening?

Breast screening uses an X-ray test called a mammogram to look for signs of breast cancer. Screening can find cancers at an early stage, when they are too small to see or feel, which makes treatment more effective.

Who is invited for screening?

• Everyone registered with a GP as female is invited for breast screening every 3 years between the ages of 50 and 71.
• Your first invitation usually arrives between ages 50 and 53, and then every 3 years until age 71.
• If you are over 71, you can still have screening every 3 years, but you will need to arrange this yourself by contacting your local breast screening service.
• Transgender and non-binary people may also be eligible depending on how their gender is registered with their GP. If you’re unsure, speak to your GP or local screening service.

Deciding whether to go

Breast screening is your choice. There are benefits and risks, and it is important to make an informed decision.

• Screening helps find cancers early.
• Sometimes screening can pick up changes that are not cancer.

Important: If you notice any changes in your breasts between screenings such as a lump, discharge, or skin changes do not wait. Contact your GP straight away.

Booking or changing an appointment

You should receive a letter with an appointment time. If the time does not suit you, you can contact your local breast screening service to rearrange.

• If you are 53 and have not had an invitation, contact your local screening service.
• If you are over 71 and would like screening, ask your local unit to book you in.

What happens at the appointment

• Screening usually takes place in a hospital or mobile screening unit.
• A female mammographer carries out the test and will explain what happens.
• You will be asked to undress from the waist up in a private space.
• Each breast is placed between two plates and gently compressed to take X-ray images from different angles.
• The procedure takes a few minutes, and your whole appointment usually lasts less than 30 minutes.
• Some people find the compression uncomfortable, but it only lasts a short time.

Getting your results

• You will normally receive your results by post within 2 weeks. Your GP will also receive a copy.
• For most people (around 96 out of 100), the result is normal.
• About 4 in 100 people are called back for more tests. This does not always mean cancer.
• If you are recalled, further checks may include more X-rays, an ultrasound, or a biopsy.
• If nothing unusual is found, you will be invited again in 3 years.

Support and further help

If you have questions, you can speak to:

• Your GP
• The breast screening service
• A breast care nurse

If you need help with accessibility such as mobility support, an interpreter, or alternative formats tell the screening unit when you book.

Visit the downloads section below and the London Breast Screening Hub for more information and leaflets

Breast screening appointments

If you need to change your breast screening appointment, you can do so online or by phone:

• Online
• Telephone: 020 3758 2024

Videos

• Public health talk by Breast Cancer Now
• Do the test: Go for it!
• Cancer screening for people with learning disabilities

For related information, please see the Cancer Care Resources section of the North Central London ICB website