Breast screening process and getting your results
Breast screening aims to find breast cancers early. Find out the steps involved when you go for screening and the help and support available during your appointment. After your appointment, you should get your results within two weeks. The results will also be sent to your GP.
Breast screening process
A visit to a breast screening unit usually takes less than 30 minutes and a mammogram only takes a few minutes.
Breast screening uses an x-ray test called a mammogram to check the breast for signs of cancer. It can spot cancers that are too small to see or feel.
You will be met by a receptionist, or a female mammographer, who will check your personal details.
At this appointment, all staff at the unit are women.
The mammographer will:
- ask about your general health
- ask about any previous breast problems
- ask about previous mammograms
- explain how screening works
- answer any queries you have
You’ll need to undress the top part of your body, including your bra.
The mammographer will position you so that each breast is placed in turn on the x-ray machine and gently but firmly compressed with a flat, clear plate.
Having a mammogram can be uncomfortable and some women find it painful. The mammographer will try to minimise discomfort and any pain usually passes quickly.
Typically, each breast will have two mammograms from different angles. Women with larger breasts or implants may need additional mammograms.
You and your GP should get your results within two to three weeks. If you don’t hear anything by this time, you can phone your breast screening unit to check your results.
Breast screening videos
- Breast screening - subtitled version
- Breast screening - British sign language
- Breast screening - Irish sign language
- Breast screening - if you have learning disabilities
Screening process if you have breast implants
A standard mammogram may be less effective if you have breast implants.
Women with breast implants should contact their local unit on the number given in the appointment letter, so extra time can be given for their mammograms.
A specific technique (the Eklund technique) is used to maximise the amount of breast tissue that can be seen.
It’s important to tell the mammographer if you have implants before you are screened.
Breast screening isn’t a check on your implants. If you have concerns about your implants, contact your GP.
Screening if you are transgender
If you have undergone, or are undergoing male to female gender reassignment, you may be screened as a self-referral at the request of your GP.
If you have any symptoms you should contact your GP in the usual way.
If you have undergone, or are undergoing female to male gender reassignment, you will continue to be invited for breast screening, as long as you are registered as a woman.
This is unless you ask not to be invited for screening, or have told your local breast screening unit that you have had a bilateral mastectomy and no longer have breast tissue.
For further information and advice, contact your local breast screening unit.
Breast screening results
Your results will be sent to you within two to three weeks. Your GP will also receive a copy.
There are three possible results:
- normal (routine) recall - your result is normal and you’ll automatically be invited for screening in three years’ time provided you fall within the screening programme’s age range
- technical recall - the mammograms needs to be repeated for technical reasons
- assessment – four in every 100 women are recalled for an appointment at an assessment clinic
Getting called back after a mammogram
You will be called to an assessment clinic if your screening result suggests that further tests are needed.
This does not necessarily mean there is something wrong. Three out of four women recalled are given normal results following these additional tests.
The reason you were invited to go to an assessment clinic will be explained to you when you come to the clinic.
You’ll also be asked about any breast problems and given an opportunity to ask questions.
A number of tests may be carried out at the assessment clinic, but you may not need all of them.
The tests include:
- further imaging – mammogram or ultrasound
- tissue sampling – for example, biopsy
- clinical examination
You will be given a leaflet with further information on these tests when you're called to assessment.
The tests can take about two hours to complete. The radiologist may be male.
If you’ve any questions or concerns you can speak to a breast care nurse. You will find their contact number on your appointment letter.
Getting your results
When you get your results depends on the tests that you need at your assessment clinic appointment.
You should receive your test results within a week. However, occasionally fine needle test/ biopsy results may take up to two weeks to come back.
Support available during your breast screening appointment
If you have a physical disability
If you have a physical disability, you can usually still be screened.
You should contact the screening unit when you receive your invitation, to make them aware of your requirements and to seek advice.
When you go for screening you’ll have to be carefully positioned on the x-ray machine, and you must hold the position for several seconds. This may not be possible if you have limited mobility in your upper body or are unable to support your upper body unaided. The mammographer will advise you at the time of screening.
If a mammogram isn’t technically possible, you’ll stay in the programme and be invited again in three years’ time, as any increased mobility may make screening easier.
If your mobility improves before you are invited again you can call your local screening centre to arrange an appointment.
There’s no alternative to screening by mammography. If you can’t be screened it’s important that you continue to be breast aware.
If you have a learning disability
If you have a learning disability, a breast screening film, showing clearly what happens during the process of having a mammogram, is available at:
If you have a sensory impairment
It’s useful to contact your screening unit with this information so that suitable arrangements can be made.
Guide dogs are welcome, but static units may provide more suitable access than mobile units.
If English isn’t your first language
If English isn’t your first language and you need a translator, contact the unit using the number on your appointment letter.
There are also several translations of the ‘Breast Awareness: Looking Out for Changes’ leaflets available.