Screening for breast cancer

Testing for cancer when you have no symptoms is called screening. Breast cancer screening involves an X-ray of the breast tissue called a mammogram. A mammogram can pick up small changes when they are too small to see or feel.

Through BreastCheck, the national breast screening programme, women between the ages of 50 to 69 are invited to get a free mammogram every 2 years.

But you should always be breast aware, including self examinations.

Why is breast screening important?

Finding cancer early saves lives and can mean that the cancer is easier to treat. Less than 1 in 100 women screened are diagnosed with cancer, and these women have an good chance of successful treatment.

Breast screening is a very effective way of spotting breast cancer early, but it is not the only way. Cancer can occur at any time, even between screenings. It is often women themselves who first notice their breast cancer. It is therefore important to be breast aware between mammograms.

If you are over 69, it is important to continue to be breast aware. You can also talk to your doctor about having further mammograms.