Breast screening uses a test called mammography which involves taking x-rays of the breasts. As well as checking your breasts at home, screening can help to find breast cancers early when they are too small to see or feel, and saves around 1,300 women every year with around 21,000 cancers detected.
The sooner cancer is picked up the better, because all the evidence says the earlier it’s diagnosed the better the chance to treat and beat it. This is why each year more than two million women have breast cancer screening in the UK.
As breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in the UK, the chances are that you or someone you know will be diagnosed with it. The good news is that we can - and often do - detect breast cancer soon enough for successful treatment. The NHS is picking up more and more cancers early by screening, and with the recent announcement of the Government investing £10 million in 29 new breast screening units and almost 70 life-saving unit upgrades, more women will be able to be checked.
The life-saving investment includes 16 new mobile breast screening units, 13 additional static units, 58 live remote access upgrades for existing units and 10 software upgrades to carry out ultrasounds and X-rays.
Commenting on the investment, Minister Helen Whately, Minister of State for Social Care, said "We’re already seeing the results of our efforts to tackle this disease in diagnosis figures. The NHS diagnosed over 100,000 patients with early-stage cancer last year and more than half a million people are receiving treatment.
"Looking ahead, we want to protect future generations from this cruel disease. Building on our huge success of the Covid vaccine rollout, we’re partnering up with the best and brightest minds who created the Covid Pfizer vaccine to try to develop new cancer vaccines. We’re also investing in exciting trials that will look at ways of treating breast cancer with radiotherapy.
"At the same time, we are constantly working to find innovative, life-saving treatments - such as the new breast cancer drug pembrolizumab, which recently gave hope to thousands of breast cancer patients."
When will I be invited for breast screening?
The NHS Breast Screening Programme offers all women in England between the ages of 50 and 71 the opportunity to be screened every three years for breast cancer; it is important that you consider attending your breast screening appointment when invited as screening can help to find breast cancers early when they are too small to see or feel.
If you are aged 71 or over, you do have the right to free screening every 3 years, however you will not be automatically invited for breast screening. To get an appointment phone or write to your local breast screening unit – visit the NHS website to find your local breast screening services.
Tips for your mammogram appointment
• Wear a skirt or trousers, rather than a dress, as you'll need to get naked to the waist
• Remove necklaces and any torso piercings, if you have them, before you arrive for your appointment
• Tell the mammographer if you have found screening uncomfortable in the past
• Tell the staff your pronouns, if you would like to
• Don’t use talcum powder or spray deodorant on the day as this may affect the mammogram – roll-on deodorant is OK
• Do talk to the staff if you are nervous or embarrassed, they are trained to help you feel more comfortable and provide support.
What happens at your breast screening appointment
Your breast screening appointment will take about 30 minutes and you’ll have four breast scans (mammograms) – two for each breast.
Breast screening is usually done by 1 or 2 female mammographers. You can ask them about any questions or concerns you have.
1 - You'll need to undress, in a private changing area, so you are naked from the waist up. You may be given a hospital gown to put on.
2 - You'll be called into the X-ray room and the mammographer will explain what will happen.
3 - The mammographer will place your breast onto the X-ray machine. It will be squeezed between 2 pieces of plastic to keep it still while the X-rays are taken – it takes a few seconds and you need to stay still. Your breast will be taken off of the machine afterwards.
4 - The X-ray machine will then be tilted to one side and the process will be repeated on the side of your breast.
5 - Your other breast will be X-rayed in the same way.
6 - You will then return to the changing area to get dressed.
Visit the NHS website for further advice about your appointment.
Do mammograms hurt?
The mammogram itself can be uncomfortable, sometimes painful. You may still be sore afterwards, but if you're still experiencing any pain or discomfort after a couple of days, let your GP know.
When your result should arrive
You will usually get your results within 2 weeks of your breast screening appointment. They will be sent to you by letter. They will also be sent to the GP surgery you are registered with. Don't worry if it does take longer than this, it doesn't mean something is wrong, and you can call the breast screening unit to ask for an update on your results.
Most people who have breast screening will show no signs of cancer and you will be invited for another mammogram in 3 years. If you do need further tests you will be given an appointment to do so.
Is there a mammogram backlog?
Due to COVID-19, between April 2020 and March 2021, there was a 44% decrease in the number of women, aged over 45, who were screened for breast cancer in England. Although now a large number of services have recovered, Breast Screening Offices (BSO) are running extra screening sessions to clear any remaining mammogram backlog, so you shouldn’t have to wait for an appointment.
Make sure to check your breasts
Even if you’ve had a breast screening appointment it’s still important to regularly check your breasts at home for lumps or any changes such as swelling, dimpling or inflammation. If you have any concerns, contact your GP, even if you have recently had a clear breast screening – don’t wait for your next mammogram appointment.
Further support
If you have been affected by cancer or you are worried about symptoms, there are many helpful charities and resources that can offer help and support throughout your journey. Whether you are diagnosed after a screening, going through treatment, or are seeking breast reconstruction support, these services can help:
Breast Cancer Now - offer free services whether you want to speak to a nurse, join a course, or meet other people who understand what you’re going through.
CoppaFeel - Learn more about checking your breasts thoroughly.
Against Breast Cancer- They're looking to find a vaccine against breast cancer.
Pink Ribbon Foundation - Find lots of helpful information and support.
Macmillan Cancer Support - has a free helpline that's open every day from 8am to 8pm. They're there to listen if you have anything you want to talk about. Call: 0808 808 00 00
Cancer Research UK - Have you been impacted by a different kind of cancer? Visit Cancer Research UK for further help.