What is breast screening?
Breast screening (mammography) uses x-rays to check for cancers that may be too small to see or feel from a very early stage.
Why have I been asked to attend the Breast Screening?
Breast cancer is more common in women who are over 50. Screening after this age helps us to find any changes in the breast before signs or symptoms appear. The earlier changes are found, the increased chance of a successful recovery.
You may also have been referred for a scan if you have been to your GP to discuss a lump or change in your breasts.
What is the NHS Breast Screening Programme?
We offer breast screening for Teesside, parts of County Durham and some parts of North Yorkshire. Breast screening mammograms is a Well Women NHS service aimed to help identify breast disease at an early stage.
We will get your name from your health authority record, which is generated from your GP’s list.
You’ll then be invited for your first screening between the ages of 50-53. However, if you have any concerns about your breasts, please do not wait for a breast screening appointment and contact your GP.
How long will my appointment last?
You can expect your appointment to last for at least 1 hour.
Where do I go for breast screening?
The screening centre may be in a hospital or in a mobile unit near at one of our community locations.
What happens when I arrive?
The receptionist will show you to the waiting area. Feel free to ask any questions you may have about breast screening.
When it is your turn, you will be shown to a cubicle, asked to undress down to your waist and given a gown to wear. A health professional will explain what will happen during your examination.
Your breasts will then be placed between two special plates and an x-ray will be taken. This will take a few minutes and you will need to stay as still as possible while this happens.
This can be uncomfortable or slightly painful for some people, but please discuss this with the mammographer who will do their best to make you more comfortable.
Further Information
Visit our Breast Screening service page for further information.