Why you need to have breast screening

Breast screening uses a type of breast X-ray called mammography to check for changes that have occurred in a woman’s breasts when she has not experienced any breast symptoms.

Breast screening uses mammography to detect small changes in the breast that may be a sign of cancer before you’re able to notice them.

Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide.

Breast screening can be carried out in a number of settings, including at a special breast screening unit, in a hospital, at a clinic or in a mobile unit.

In some countries, screening programmes are available, where you might be invited for screening once you reach a certain age.

Deciding on breast screening

It’s your choice whether or not to have breast screening. To make an informed decision, it’s important that you’re aware of the benefits and risks of mammography.

Benefits

Most cancers that are picked up during screening mammography are at an early stage. Early detection of breast cancer makes treatment easier, so you have a better chance of making a full recovery.

Risks

It’s important to remember that although mammography is the best way of detecting early breast cancer, it isn’t a perfect test. Sometimes signs of breast cancer can be missed, despite the test being done correctly.

Sometimes, screening can show possible signs of breast cancer when in fact there isn’t a problem. In this case, the screening mammogram is said to have a false positive result. Most false positive results are caused by a build-up of calcium in the milk ducts of your breasts (known as microcalcification). This is common in women over 50.

If there are any abnormal signs on your mammogram, you will be asked to attend a breast assessment clinic for further tests.

There is a small chance that you could be wrongly diagnosed with breast cancer or treated for breast cancer that would never have caused you any problems. If this happens, you may have unnecessary cancer treatment.

Mammography exposes you to a small amount of radiation. However, this is around the same as the radiation you’re exposed to naturally from the environment over a few months to a year and is considered to be relatively safe.

If you’re pregnant, or think you might be, let the health professional who is carrying out your mammography know. The radiation from the X-ray may affect your unborn baby. An ultrasound scan may be used instead. If a mammography is done, you will be given a lead apron to wear. This will cover your lower abdomen (tummy) and protect your unborn baby from any radiation.

Breast awareness

Even if you’re having regular breast screening, it’s important to be breast aware so that you notice any changes in your breasts. If you notice any breast changes or symptoms, contact your doctor, even if a recent mammogram didn’t show any changes in your breasts.