Who is eligible for breast cancer screening?
Women (registered female) aged 50-71 years are invited every three years for breast screening. Invitations are posted with reminders sent by text or post, so it is crucial GP practices have up-to-date contact details.
Breast screening involves taking X-rays (mammograms) of each breast. Screening is usually done in a mobile breast unit – saving a trip to the main screening unit at Bradford hospital – and is carried out by female staff. Results are available within two weeks and will be sent to you and your GP. The process can be uncomfortable (similar to the discomfort when you have your blood pressure checked). Only a very small number of people say it is painful and it is over very quickly. The appointment generally lasts around 15 minutes and the mammogram itself only take 5 minutes in total. Remember that detecting breast cancer early could save your life.
Remember to check your own breasts regularly and report any changes to your GP. You can find out how to check your breasts here.
You can follow the Pennine Breast Screening Service on social media: @penninebsu
When Breast screening is not necessary
Most of the time, if you have had breast cancer or a bilateral mastectomy (both breasts removed), you will not need screening and should not receive an invitation.
Occasionally, the invitation system has not been able to fully update your details so if you get an invitation and don’t think you should have one, please ring the breast screening service. You could also talk to your GP or practice nurse if you wish.
Reasonable Adjustments
If are worried that your screening appointment will be difficult because of (for example) physical disability, learning disability, language or literacy difficulties, anxiety, mental illness or neurodiversity, please ask for help. You have the right to ask for reasonable adjustments at your screening appointment.
This checklist gives you an idea of the sorts of things you can reasonably ask for.
Questions people ask
Screening services are committed to make reasonable adjustments to support you. Click here to find out more about reasonable adjustments. Pennine Breast Screening service are happy to talk to you about the test and will even offer you a visit to look at the rooms and X-ray equipment if this would help you.
If you have mobility limitations, the breast screening service will help you find the most suitable option, if possible.
No. A positive result does not automatically mean cancer. 4 in 100 people screened will have a positive result and only one of those will have cancer. If cancer is detected, it is likely to be at an earlier stage, meaning a much greater chance of treatment and survival.
Don’t worry! You can contact breast screening service and rearrange your appointment using the number on your invitation letter.
There are a limited number of mobile units and they have a large area to cover. There are various reasons why certain sites are picked (electricity points, parking, accessibility, permissions etc). If you are struggling to get to the mobile unit, please phone the breast screening service (using the phone number on your invitation letter) and they will explore other options for you. While the mobile units are not always completely convenient, they mean that you don’t have to travel to Bradford St Luke’s hospital for your screening.
You will not be automatically invited, but you can ring the breast screening service to arrange to have a mammogram every 3 years.
First of all, check that your doctor’s surgery has the correct address and mobile phone number for you. If your address is out of date, your invitation will not get to you.
If you think you should have breast cancer screening and have not received an invitation, please contact your GP practice. If you don’t think you should be screened but have received an invitation, please contact the breast screening service, using the number on your invitation letter.
Videos to find out more about breast screening
Other resources
Breast screening: helping you decide (various languages available)