Breast Screening
Cancer is easier to treat if detected early
Every year in Northern Ireland over 900 women are diagnosed with breast cancer. Almost a third of these are detected through the breast screening program – this is why it is so important to attend when invited.
Women aged between 50 and 64 are invited for breast screening every 3 years. This is known as a mammogram. This is an X-ray where a low dose of radiation is used to provide an image of each breast.
It can detect small changes before there are any signs or symptoms.
If breast cancer is found at an early stage there is a good chance of successful recovery.
REMEMBER – 9 out of 10 lumps are harmless but every lump should be checked by a doctor.
The Mammogram
Screening takes about 30 minutes. The radiographer will place each breast in turn between 2 special x-ray plates. The x-ray only takes a few seconds and involves a small dose of radiation.
The results will be sent to your GP within 3 weeks.
It is important to go for screening because it helps to detect breast cancer at an early stage when treatment may be more successful. However screening can only detect cancer if it is already there. Breast Cancer can develop between screening which is why it is so important to be breast aware.
You can attend either your local screening centre or a mobile unit. Mobile units may have restricted access so if you have restricted mobility you may prefer to go to the local screening centre.
What if I am called back?
If you are called back it doesn’t necessarily mean there is something wrong – it just means additional tests are necessary. 4 out of 5 women recalled are given normal results following these additional tests.
If you are under 50
Routine breast screening is not offered to women under 50 because:
- the occurrence of breast cancer is much lower in this group
- women under 50 have denser breast tissue which makes the x-rays more difficult to read.
However if you are worried about a change in your breasts or have a family history of breast cancer you should contact your GP.