Women aged 50 +

Women aged 50 and over can be screened for breast cancer every three years. Provided you are registered with a GP you will automatically be invited within three years of your fiftieth birthday. It is now the turn of all women aged 50 – 70 within this doctor’s practice to receive their letter of invitation to attend for screening.

If you have recently joined this practice (i.e., within the last three months) please confirm that you are included in this screening round by telephoning Breast Screening Administration (0191) 282 0202.

• Screening will take place in a unit, located in this area.
• To avoid the problem of extra travelling make sure you take the opportunity to be screened at this time.
• You will only be screened if you have received an appointment.
• An appointment system is necessary to ensure the smooth running of the service. 

What will happen?

Once you arrive at the unit you will not have long to wait. The screening procedure will take no longer than 5 minutes. The staff, all of whom are women, will ask you a few questions and check your personal details.

What to wear

Before you are screened you will be shown into a small changing room. As you are required to undress to the waist, it is easier to wear a skirt or trousers and a top.

Special requirements

Please get in touch with the Breast Screening Unit if:

• You have a disability or use a wheelchair, as you may need a longer appointment.
• You need an interpreter.
• You have breast implants.       
• You have had a mammogram during the last six months.

Results

You will get a letter within 2-3 weeks to tell you the result. Most women will be told their breasts are perfectly normal at this time and be invited to come back in three years. For a small number of women, further X-rays may be necessary. Very occasionally an abnormality might be found. Although the Screening Programme has been organised to find early breast cancers, most of the abnormalities found are not cancer.

 Women aged 70 +

If you are over 70 you won't automatically receive a screening invitation every three years, however, you may request a free invitation by contacting the Breast Screening Administration.  Please 'Contact us for full address.

Please remember to request an invitation every three years.