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.

The national breast screening programme is called BreastCheck. It offers free breast screening to women, transgender, intersex and non-binary people age 50 to 69. They are invited for a free mammogram every 2 years.

But you should always be breast aware. This includes checking your own breasts regularly. 

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 a 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 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.