Breast Cancer Screening
Symptoms and Advice
Check out the guide on examining your breasts.
See a GP if you have any symptom of breast cancer. Even if you have recently had a clear breast screening.
Although rare, men can get breast cancer. The most common symptom of breast cancer in men is a lump in the chest area.
Do not wait for your next breast screening appointment.
NHS: Breast Screening
NHS breast screening checks use X-rays to look for cancers that are too small to see or feel.
Breast Cancer Now
The Research and Support Charity
Whatever breast cancer brings, Breast Cancer Now offer help, information and support.
Whether you’re worried about breast cancer, dealing with your diagnosis or trying to live your life with or beyond treatment – or if someone you love is. If you’re affected by breast cancer, you can turn to us.
Our services are available in person, online, on the phone or in print – meaning you can get the support you need in the way you want. Because whatever breast cancer brings, we’re here.
Telephone: 0808 800 6000
Website: Breast Cancer Now | The research and support charity
Cancer Research: Breast Screening
Screening aims to find breast cancers early, when they have the best chance of being cured.
When will you be invited for breast screening?
Anyone registered with a GP as female will be invited for NHS breast screening every 3 years between the ages of 50 and 71. You’ll get a letter in the post inviting you.
If you’re a trans man, trans woman or are non-binary you may be invited automatically, or you may need to talk to your GP surgery or call the local breast screening service to ask for an appointment.
Breast Screening (Mammogram)
Why is breast screening offered?
Anyone can get breast cancer. This includes women, men, trans and non-binary people.
It’s the most common type of cancer in the UK.
The chance of getting breast cancer increases as you get older. Most breast cancers are diagnosed in women over 50 years old.
Regular breast screening is one of the best ways to spot a cancer that is too small to feel or see.
Breast screening saves around 1,300 lives each year in the UK.
Finding cancer early can make it:
- More likely that treatment will be successful
- Less likely you’ll need to have a breast removed (mastectomy
- More likely you’ll be cured
You can have breast screening whatever size or shape your breasts are.