Breast Screening | Mammogram

Why This Test Is Done

Who can get breast cancer

Anyone can get breast cancer. This includes women, men, trans and non-binary people.

It's the most common type of cancer in countries such as the UK.

The chance of getting breast cancer increases as you get older. Most breast cancers are diagnosed in women over 50 years old.

If you're more likely to get breast cancer

Some people are more likely to get breast cancer. This is sometimes called moderate risk or high risk.

You may have a higher chance of getting breast cancer if you have:

• several close relatives who have had breast or ovarian cancer or both
• a change in a gene (mutation) that makes you more likely to get breast cancer – these include BRCA1, BRCA2 or TP53

How breast screening can help

Regular breast screening is one of the best ways to spot a cancer that is too small to feel or see.

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.

It's your choice if you want to go for breast screening. Screening does not stop you getting breast cancer, but it is the best way to spot cancers at an early stage.

Checking your breasts

As well as going for regular breast screening, it's important you know how your breasts normally look and feel. Cancers can develop between mammograms.

If you have symptoms

​​See a GP if you have any symptom of breast cancer. Even if you have recently had a clear breast screening.

How It Works

Mammograms use a machine designed to take X-rays of breast tissue. The machine uses lower doses of X-rays compared to those used for other parts of the body, like the lungs or bones. During the test, the breast is gently compressed between two plates. This helps spread the tissue apart, giving a clearer image while using less radiation.

Modern mammograms are usually digital, meaning the images are stored on a computer instead of being printed on film.

Preparing For The Test

You do not need to do anything special to prepare for a mammogram. But there are things that may help:

• do not use talcum powder or spray deodorant on the day as this may affect the mammogram – roll-on deodorant is OK
• wear a skirt or trousers, rather than a dress, to make it easier to get naked to the waist
• remove necklaces and nipple piercings before you arrive for your appointment
• tell them if you have found screening uncomfortable in the past
• talk to the staff if you are nervous or embarrassed, they are trained to help you feel more comfortable and provide support
• ask staff not to use any phrases or words that make you uncomfortable or nervous
• tell the staff your pronouns, if you would like to

What Happens During The Test

During breast screening you'll have 4 breast X-rays (mammograms), 2 for each breast.

The mammograms are done by a specialist called a mammographer. The mammograms only take a few minutes. The whole appointment should take about 30 minutes.

Before starting, the mammographer will check your details with you and should ask if you have had any breast problems.

They should also explain what will happen during the screening and answer any questions you have.

How breast screening is done

Breast screening is usually done by 1 or 2 mammographers. You can ask them about any questions or concerns you have.

1. You'll need to undress, in a private changing area, so you are naked from the waist up. You may be given a hospital gown to put on.
2. You'll be called into the X-ray room and the mammographer should explain what will happen.
3. The mammographer will place your breast onto the X-ray machine. It will be squeezed between 2 pieces of plastic to keep it still while the X-rays are taken. This takes a few seconds and you need to stay still. Your breast will be taken off the machine afterwards.
4. The X-ray machine will then be tilted to one side and the process will be repeated on the side of your breast.
5. Your other breast will be X-rayed in the same way.
6. You will then return to the changing area to get dressed.

Breast screening is often uncomfortable and sometimes painful for some people. You can talk to the mammographer, who is trained to help you feel more comfortable and give you support. You can also ask to stop at any time.

After The Test

Things to look out for after breast screening

Any discomfort or pain you may have during a mammogram should go away very soon.

If you found the mammogram very painful you may have pain for a couple of days. See a GP if the pain does not go away after a couple of days.

You will usually get your results within 2 weeks of your breast screening appointment. 

What your result means

No sign of breast cancer

Your breast screening result may say that your mammogram shows no sign of breast cancer.

You will not need any further tests and may be invited again in 3 years.

Most people who have breast screening will have no sign of cancer.

Need further tests

Your results may say further tests are needed.These tests can include:

• an examination of your breast
• more mammograms
• ultrasound scans of your breast
• taking a small sample (biopsy) from your breast using a needle

Most people who need further tests will not be diagnosed with breast cancer.

But if there are signs of breast cancer, finding it early means treatment is more likely to be successful and it's less likely you'll need to have a breast removed (mastectomy).

Checking your breasts

Even if your breast screening shows no sign of breast cancer, it's important to check your breasts between mammograms and see a GP if you notice any changes.

When a Mammogram Is Recommended

Breast cancer screening using mammograms is an important tool for early detection. While recommendations for when to start screening and how often vary by country, here's general guidance:

Age Recommendations

• In many countries, women are advised to start regular mammograms at 50 years old and continue every 2 to 3 years.
• Some guidelines recommend starting at 40 years old, especially if you have risk factors such as a family history of breast cancer.

Who Should Go for a Mammogram?

• All women within the recommended age range are encouraged to attend regular screenings.
• If you're a trans man or non-binary, talk to your doctor about whether you need screening, especially if you still have breast tissue.

What to Do If You Have Symptoms

• Do not wait for your next mammogram if you notice any symptoms of breast cancer, such as:
  • A lump in your breast or armpit.
  • Changes in the size, shape, or appearance of your breast.
  • Unusual nipple discharge or skin changes.
• See a doctor as soon as possible, even if you've recently had a clear mammogram.

What to Do If You Are Over 70

• In some countries, routine breast screening may stop after the age of 70. However, you can still request mammograms every 2 to 3 years by speaking to your doctor.

Access to Breast Screening

• Talk to your local healthcare provider to find out where mammograms are available and how often you should be screened.

Risks

Risks of breast screening

Doctors cannot always tell if a cancer will go on to be life-threatening or not. So treatment is always offered if you're diagnosed with breast cancer.

This means some cancers that are diagnosed and treated would not have been life-threatening. Treatment of non life-threatening cancers is the main risk of breast screening.

Other risks of breast screening include:

• a cancer being missed – mammograms do not always find a cancer that is there
• X-rays – having a mammogram every 3 years for 20 years gives you a very slightly higher chance of getting cancer over your lifetime

Most people feel the benefits of breast screening outweigh the possible risks.