NHS breast cancer screening

What is breast cancer screening?

Breast cancer screening is a way to check if your breasts are healthy. It helps find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat.

The screening is a special test called a mammogram. It is like an X-ray for your breasts.

Ask your doctor if you can get this test. They can help you decide.

Helpful Tip: You can use a calendar or phone app to remind you about your doctor visits and tests.

Who can have an NHS breast check?

If you are a woman and aged 50 to 71, you can have a breast check through the NHS.

It's good to check your breasts at home too. This helps find any changes early.

If you have any worries, talk to your doctor.

How can I make a breast check appointment?

Do you want to make a special doctor's appointment to check your breasts? Here is how you can do it:

1. Ask your doctor: Talk to your doctor or nurse. They can help you make the appointment.
2. Call the clinic: Find the phone number for the place that does breast checks. Give them a call and ask for an appointment.
3. Online booking: Some clinics let you book on their website. Ask someone to help if you need it.

Tools that can help you:

• Calendar: Write the day and time of your appointment so you don't forget.
• Reminders: Use a phone or a sticky note as a reminder.

How is the screening done?

The screening test checks if you are healthy. Here is how it works:

1. You visit a doctor or nurse.

2. They might ask you questions about your health.

3. They might do a simple test, like checking your blood.

If you feel scared or worried, you can:

- Bring a friend or family member with you.

- Ask the doctor or nurse to explain what they are doing.

- Use pictures or videos to understand better.

What happens in a breast x-ray (mammogram)?

A breast x-ray is a helpful test to check your breasts.

Here's what will happen:

• You will go to a special clinic or hospital.
• A nurse or technician will explain the test to you.
• You will stand in front of an x-ray machine.
• The machine will take pictures of your breasts.
• The test usually takes about 20 minutes.
• It might feel a little uncomfortable, but it should not hurt.

If you feel worried, you can talk to the nurse. You can also bring a friend or family member to help you feel better.

Does breast cancer screening hurt?

Breast cancer screening is a check-up to look for signs of cancer. Some people might feel a bit of squeezing or pressure. It might feel uncomfortable but it should not be very painful. If you feel pain, tell the person doing the test. They can help you feel better.

To make it easier, try to relax and take deep breaths during the test. You can also ask a friend or family member to come with you for support. Remember, it is okay to ask questions if you are worried.

How do I get ready for a breast x-ray (mammogram)?

A breast x-ray is a special picture of the inside of your chest. The picture helps doctors look for any problems.

Here are some tips to get ready:

• Wear a shirt that you can take off easily. It’s better to wear a shirt with pants or a skirt.
• Don't use any cream, powder, or deodorant before the x-ray. These can make it hard to see the picture clearly.
• If you feel worried, tell a friend or family member. They can come with you to the appointment.
• Let the doctor know if you have any questions. You can write down your questions before you go.

You can ask the doctor's office if they have a guide or picture book to help you understand.

Is breast screening safe?

Breast screening is a safe way to check for cancer. Sometimes, it can find changes in the breast that are not cancer.

If you are worried, talk to your doctor or nurse. They can help explain things.

You can also use pictures and videos to learn more about breast screening.

What to do if you notice changes in your breast

If you see or feel something different in your breast, don't wait. Talk to a doctor or nurse. You can do this even if it is not time for your regular check-up.

Here are some helpful things to try:

• Write down: Make notes about what you see or feel. This will help when you talk to your doctor.
• Ask for help: Bring a friend or family member with you to the doctor. They can help you remember what the doctor says.
• Use pictures: If you have pictures or drawings of breasts, they can help you show what is different.
• Plan questions: Think of questions you want to ask the doctor ahead of time. It’s okay to ask lots of questions!

Can men have checks for breast cancer?

When will I get my results?

You will get your results on a certain day. Ask your teacher or look at your school papers to know the date.

If you find reading hard, you can:

• Ask someone to help you read.
• Use an app that reads text out loud.
• Break the text into small parts to read slowly.

What does it mean if my test result is not normal?

How good is breast screening?

Breast screening is a way to check for signs of breast cancer. It is not perfect, but it helps doctors find cancer early.

Here are some important things to know:

• Breast screening can find some cancers early before you feel any lumps.
• Sometimes, it may not catch all cancers.
• It may also show something that looks like cancer, but it is not.

Ask your doctor if you have questions about breast screening. They can help explain it to you.

Using pictures or videos can help understand more about breast screening.

What if I don't want to be in the breast screening program anymore?

If you decide you don't want to be in the breast screening program, that's okay. You can choose to stop.

Here is what you can do:

• Tell your doctor or nurse that you want to stop.
• You can write a letter or call the place where you usually get your screenings.

If you feel unsure or have questions, you can:

• Talk to your doctor or nurse. They can help you understand more.
• Use a trusted website to read more information or watch videos about breast screening.

Remember, it's okay to make a choice that's best for you!

Can I have a health check if I am younger than 50 or older than 71?