FAQ’s

Breast screening uses X-rays called mammograms to check your breasts for signs of cancer.

It’s done by female health specialists called mammographers.

Regular breast screening is one of the best ways to spot a cancer that is too small to feel or see.

Breast screening saves around 1,300 lives each year in the UK.

Finding cancer early can make it:

• more likely that treatment will be successful
• less likely you’ll need to have a breast removed (mastectomy)
• more likely you’ll be cured

You can have breast screening whatever size or shape your breasts are.

If you are worried about a family history of breast cancer, please speak to your GP. They can advise you further and refer you to an appropriate clinic if required.

Whilst you won’t automatically be invited for breast screening if you are over 70, you can still contact. More information on breast screening when you are over 70.

Please contact us if you would like us to check when you last attended a breast screening appointment.

No. If you have registered with a new GP, you will still be invited when you are next due. Please contact the screening office if you think your screening is overdue.

We recommend waiting at least six months before having another mammogram.

Please stick your five year or ten year follow up appointments if you are still under care for breast cancer treatment. You can resume your three yearly screening appointments once you are no longer under care.

Yes, we can still perform a mammogram if you have breast implants but only your natural breast tissue will be reported on. Please contact us before your appointment to inform us that you have implants.

More information on breast screening with implants.

Yes, you can still have a mammogram if you have a pacemaker. Please contact us before your appointment to inform us that you have a pacemaker.

Yes, you can still have a mammogram if you have a disability. Please contact our screening office prior to your appointment so we can ensure we book the most suitable appointment for you. Unfortunately, we may be unable to book you at your nearest screening site as our mobile screening units are not accessible to those in wheelchairs or those with limited mobility.

You can also arrange to come visit one of our departments and speak to a member of staff prior to deciding if you would like to have a mammogram if you feel this would benefit you or an individual that you are a carer for. Or alternatively you can view the Breast Screening easy read guide.

We can also use the Relay UK app to discuss your appointment with you if you are deaf, hard-of-hearing, or speech-impaired.

Yes, you can still have a mammogram. If you are registered with your GP as female, you will be invited for breast screening. If you were assigned female at birth but are registered with a GP as male, you will not be routinely invited for breast screening but you can request an appointment if you have not had top surgery. More information on screening for trans and non-binary people for more information on screening for trans and non-binary people.

We can also arrange to have your appointment at the start or end of a clinic or at our assessment clinic rather than a mobile screening unit if you would prefer.

We advise you to visit your GP if you have a breast symptom. This is so they can refer you to your nearest Symptomatic Breast Clinic where they have a different patient pathway.