Anyone can get breast cancer. It's the most common type of cancer in the UK.
The chance of getting breast cancer increases as you get older. Most breast cancers are diagnosed in women over 50 years old. The National Breast Screening Programme is an early detection service for breast cancer. Regular breast screening can find breast cancer before you notice any signs or symptoms. The programme is very successful and currently saves around 1,300 lives per year.
Breast screening is a well-woman service. If you have any breast symptoms or concerns you should contact your GP for the correct advice.
Breast screening uses X-rays called mammograms to check your breasts for signs of cancer. It's carried out by health specialists called mammographers. Early detection may often mean simpler and more successful treatment.
Anyone registered with a GP as female will be invited for NHS breast screening every 3 years between the ages of 50 and 71. You'll get a letter in the post inviting you for your first invite between the ages of 50 and 53. Then you'll be invited every 3 years until you turn 71. Women over the age of 71 are not automatically invited to attend screening, however, they are welcome to contact us and self-refer themselves every 3 years.
Higher risk patients
Some people have a higher risk of developing breast cancer. ‘High Risk’ means that you have been assessed by a specialist in genetics or oncology as being at more risk of developing breast cancer than women in the general population. People at high risk of breast cancer are offered breast screening at an earlier age than others in the general population. We call this ‘surveillance’ screening. Further NHS Advice can be found here: Breast screening for women with a high risk of breast cancer.
Results
All mammograms are examined by at least two different film readers and a final result established. Results are sent out within two weeks of the original mammogram. Your GP is also informed of the result. If you would like to receive your results by email, please email your request to the Screening Office on bsu.