I am 49 years old, why have I been invited for screening?
I am 52 years old, why have I not been invited for screening?
Can I change my screening appointment?
Will the screening staff all be women?
How long will the screening appointment last?
Does breast screening hurt?
How can a woman over 70 get a screening appointment?
I have just moved into the area and don’t want to miss screening, what should I do?
What happens if I miss my screening appointment?
I am 49 years old, why have I been invited for screening?
The Breast Screening Programme is based on a three-year rolling programme. The whole of a general practice catchment area is invited for screening once every three years. In order to do this successfully, women are called by year of birth.
Top of page
I am 52 years old, why have I not been invited for screening?
The Breast Screening Programme is obliged to screen a woman before her 53rd birthday. Due to the three year rolling programme, on which screening is based, some women may not be called for screening until their 53rd year.
Top of page
Can I change my screening appointment?
Yes. A woman simply needs to telephone the screening office and they will do their best to arrange an appointment that is convenient.
Top of page
Will the screening staff all be women?
At the initial screening appointment, yes. However, if a woman is recalled to assessment the radiologist may be male, as may the surgeon should surgery be necessary.
Top of page
How long will the screening appointment last?
The mammogram will actually only take a few minutes and the whole screening appointment should be over within 30 minutes.
Top of page
Does breast screening hurt?
Some women find mammography uncomfortable and a few find it painful as the breasts have to be pressed and held firmly in position to take a good x-ray. If pain is experienced it usually only lasts for as long as the mammogram, although it may continue for some time in a small number of women.
Top of page
How can a woman over 70 get a screening appointment?
Once women reach the upper age limit for routine invitations for breast screening, and have no breast symptoms, they are encouraged to make their own appointment every 3 years. They can do this by contacting their local breast screening unit.
Top of page
I have just moved into the area and don’t want to miss screening, what should I do?
Regular failsafe batches are run to identify women who have moved into the area or who are overdue for screening. These women are then offered an appointment to attend for screening. Women are always welcome to contact the screening office if they think that they are due for a mammogram.
Top of page
What happens if I miss my screening appointment?
Every woman who fails to attend her first offered appointment is sent either a letter or another appointment giving her a further opportunity to attend. If a woman fails to attend her second appointment, she will be routinely invited in 3 years’ time. In the meantime, if the woman would like to have a mammogram, she should contact her local breast screening unit to arrange an appointment.
Top of page |
BACK NEXT 
