Bowel, breast and cervical screening

About 1 in 8 women in the UK are diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime. If it’s detected early, treatment is more successful and there’s a good chance of recovery.

Breast screening aims to find breast cancers early. It uses an x-ray test called a mammogram that can spot cancers when they’re too small to see or feel. Screening is carried out at a special clinic or mobile breast screening unit. This is done by a female health practitioner.

As the likelihood of getting breast cancer increases with age, all women aged 50 to 70 are automatically invited for breast cancer screening every three years.

Most experts agree that regular breast screening is beneficial in identifying breast cancer early. The earlier the condition is found, the better the chances of surviving it. You’re also less likely to need a mastectomy (breast removal) or chemotherapy if breast cancer is detected at an early stage.

Visit the NHS website to find out more about breast cancer screening and what happens at your appointment.

If you’re worried about breast cancer symptoms, such as a lump or area of thickened tissue in a breast, or you notice that your breasts look or feel different from what’s normal for you, don’t wait to be offered screening – contact the surgery and we will arrange for you to see a GP or nurse.