Register for breast screening and help detect breast cancer early

​Register for breast screening

Breast screening uses X-rays called mammograms to check your breasts for signs of cancer.

You need to register online for breast screening if you're a woman aged 50 to 69. You don't get automatically invited.

If you’re transgender or non-binary, speak to your GP if you’re not sure if you should have breast screening.

​ Register for the breast screening programme

Once you're registered, you'll be invited for screening every 2 years. You’ll get a letter with your appointment by post.

You'll be on a waiting list if:

• your routine screening is due or overdue
• you recently registered
• are waiting for an appointment

Appointments are booked in priority order. You’ll receive a letter in the post telling you when your appointment is.

If you have a disability or need extra support to attend your screening appointment, contact us before your appointment.

How often you’re screened

Change your appointment

You’ll receive a letter in the post telling you when your breast screening appointment is.

You can change your appointment online up to 24 hours before. 

You'll need the username and password on your appointment letter.​

Change your breast screening appointment

What happens at your appointment

Breast screening uses X-rays, called mammograms, to look for breast cancers when they're too small to be seen or felt. 

The earlier breast cancer is found, the more successful your treatment can be. 

Most appointments take place at the Mammography Department​ at the Enid Quenault Health and Wellbeing Centre​. Check your appointment letter to confirm the location.

Contact the Mammography Department​

The appointment usually lasts about half an hour. The test takes a few minutes to complete. 

Only female staff carry out breast screening.

On the day of your appointment

When you arrive:

• check in at the main reception
• bring the completed questionnaire that came with your invitation letter

The reception team will show you where to go. Take a seat in the waiting area and wait until a member of the mammography team calls you for your appointment.

Before your mammogram:

• you'll have privacy
• you'll be asked to remove your bra, but you can keep your top on

If you'd feel more comfortable wearing a gown, let the team know and they'll provide one.

During your mammogram, we'll ask you to remove your top or gown.

The mammographer:

• helps you get into the correct position
• places 1 breast at a time between 2 plates on the machine 
• presses firmly for a few seconds so they can take a clear image
• takes 2 images of each breast

You might find the test uncomfortable but it usually passes quickly.

When the mammogram is finished, you'll have privacy and time to get dressed.

Risks and side effects of screening

Mammograms are used worldwide.

Having a mammogram means you're exposed to a small amount of radiation. 

Screening tests are not perfect. A  normal result doesn't mean that you definitely don't have or will never develop breast cancer. 

Sometimes you'll be recalled for more tests, but cancer isn't there.

Screening can find cancers that are then treated but may never have caused harm.

Whether or not you go for breast screening, you should speak to your GP as soon as possible if you're worried about a breast problem.

Your screening ​results

You should receive your results by email or post 2 to 4 weeks after your appointment. 

Normal result

Most women get a normal screening result meaning their mammogram shows no sign of cancer. 

Abnormal result

Around 4 in every 100 women have an abnormal result and are called back for more tests. This happens more often for women having their first mammogram as we don't have other mammograms to compare with. 

Further tests can include:

• another mammogram
• an ultrasound scan
• a biopsy

If you're told you have breast cancer, you'll be cared for by a specialist breast cancer team. Most, but not all, cancers found at breast screening can be successfully treated.

Your breast cancer screening results on NHS Choices​

Family history checks and early breast screening

You may have an increased risk of developing breast cancer if:

• several close blood relatives have had breast cancer or related cancers, such as ovarian cancer
• these relatives are closely related to you, such as a parent, brother, sister or one of your children
• family members were diagnosed at a younger age than usual

If breast cancer runs in your family and you're concerned about your risk, speak to your GP.

They can help you understand your risk and advise on screening or support. They can also review your family history in more detail and refer you to a Family History Clinic.

If you’re referred to the Family History Clinic, a specialist clinician will contact you to assess your risk in more detail and explain what happens next.

What to expect from your assessment

Your breast cancer risk assessment usually takes place over the phone with a specialist clinician.

They ask you about your family history to assess your level of risk.

If you’re found to be at higher risk, you may be offered breast screening at an earlier age or more often. You may also be referred for further assessment.

You'll also receive clear advice about breast awareness including:

• what changes to look out for
• lifestyle changes that may help reduce your risk of developing breast cancer

Symptoms of breast cancer and reducing your risk

Be breast aware

Being breast aware is about knowing what your breasts look and feel like. Checking them regularly can help you notice if something changes. 

Any changes may be harmless, but you should get them checked by your GP as soon as possible. 

Things you should look out for:

• any lumps, thickening or bumpy areas in your breast or armpit
• changes in appearance or shape of your breast, like puckered or dimpled skin
• discomfort or pain that's unusual, particularly if it is new and persistent
• changes to your nipple like discharge, a rash, red areas that won’t heal, or a change in your nipple position (pointing differently or pulled in)

You can develop breast cancer at any time. For women of screening age, this can include the time in between breast screening appointments. 

If you notice any changes in your breasts that are not normal for you, speak to your GP as soon as possible.

Breast cancer in women on the NHS

Signs and symptoms of breast cancer on Breast Cancer Now​

How to reduce your risk

You can’t prevent breast cancer, but there are things you can do to lower your risk, including:

• register for breast screening when you reach 50 and regularly attend your breast screening appointments if you're aged between 50 to 69
• be breast aware and check your breasts regularly
• maintain a healthy weight. Increased body weight and weight gain as an adult are linked with a higher risk of breast cancer after menopause
• exercise regularly. Regular exercise can reduce your risk of developing breast cancer by as much as a third
• reduce the amount of alcohol you drink. Even low levels of alcohol intake have been linked with an increase in risk
• stopping smoking. Smokers are at increased risk of breast cancer, along with many other types of cancer. Find support on Help2Quit stop smoking​
• breastfeed your babies, where possible. Women who breastfeed are less likely to develop breast cancer than those who don't
• talk to your GP if you think you have a family history of breast cancer​