October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a good time to talk about the importance of breast screening and early detection.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in England, and the risk increases as we get older. Regular breast screening can detect breast cancer before you notice any signs or symptoms, giving the best chance of successful treatment.
Who is invited for breast screening?
Anyone registered with a GP as female aged 50 up to their 71st birthday will usually be invited for NHS breast screening every three years. Your first invitation is normally sent between the ages of 50 and 53.
If you are aged 71 or over, you will no longer receive automatic invitations, but you can still request breast screening every three years by contacting your local breast screening service.
What happens at a breast screening appointment?
Breast screening uses low-dose X-rays called mammograms to look for early signs of breast cancer. The appointment is carried out by specially trained female mammographers.
At your appointment:
- You’ll be asked to undress above the waist in a private changing area.
- The mammographer will explain the process and answer any questions.
- Images of each breast will be taken using a mammogram machine.
- The mammograms only take a few minutes and the entire appointment is usually finished within 30 minutes.
- Some women find the procedure uncomfortable, but any discomfort should only last a short time. You can ask to stop at any point.
Results are usually sent by letter within two weeks.
Missed your appointment?
If you have received an invitation but did not attend or book your appointment, it isn’t too late. You can contact your local breast screening service to arrange another appointment.
Preparing for your appointment
To make your visit easier:
- Wear a top that is easy to remove rather than a dress or jumpsuit.
- Remove necklaces and nipple piercings before the appointment.
- Avoid using deodorant, antiperspirant or talcum powder on the day of your screening.
Breast screening is important, but so is breast awareness
Breast screening does not replace being aware of what is normal for your breasts or chest. Cancer can sometimes develop between screening appointments.
If you notice any changes that are unusual for you, such as a lump, changes to the skin, nipple changes or persistent pain, please contact the practice and do not wait for your next screening invitation.
Remember
When your breast screening invitation arrives, please take up the offer. Most women screened will not have breast cancer, but screening can detect cancers at an earlier stage when treatment is more likely to be successful.