About Screening
Information Leaflets - Breast screening for women with a family history of breast cancer (from 35 years old)
Why is breast screening important?
In the UK, 1 woman in 11 develops breast cancer at some time in her life. Breast screening finds early changes that often cannot be seen or felt. Early diagnosis offers the best chance of full recovery. Most cases of breast cancer detected early are successfully treated with the modern treatments now available. Screening does not prevent cancer and like most tests is not 100% accurate. This means that some cancers may not be detected. It also means that some women may receive unnecessary investigations and/or procedures.
Who is offered screening?
In the UK, all women in the age group of 50-64 are invited automatically every three years, as part of the NHS Breast Screening Programme. In Wales, this screening is provided by Breast Test Wales. Breast cancer is more common in women over 50 (approximately 4 out of 5 women diagnosed) and screening has proved to be effective for this age group.
Screening invitations are to be extended up to the age of 70. Women under the age of 50 are not invited for screening, as there has been no clear benefit shown in research studies, although research is continuing.
Why am I being offered screening?
Although research studies have not shown a clear benefit in the general population for starting screening earlier than age 50, women with a family history may benefit from earlier screening.
How often should I be screened?
You will receive an invitation every year, from the age of 35, until you are 50; then you will receive invitations at 18 month intervals, until you are 60. You will then receive invitations at 3 yearly intervals, as part of the NHS Breast Screening Programme.
Where will the screening be done?
The screening will be done at Breast Test Wales' Screening Centres, which are in Cardiff, Llandudno and Swansea. You will be sent an appointment at the screening centre which covers your area. Screening will not be available on Breast Test Wales' mobile units.
How will I be screened?
X-ray pictures called 'mammograms' will be taken of your breasts. Two views of each breast will be taken at every screening appointment. The level of radiation used is very low and we believe the potential benefit of being screened outweighs the risk of harm from the x-ray.
How long will it take?
You will usually spend approximately half an hour at the Screening Unit, however the x-rays take only a few minutes.
Is it uncomfortable?
Each breast needs to be held firmly in position and compressed as the x-ray is taken, in order to obtain a clear picture and to keep the radiation dose low. Some women find this uncomfortable and a few find it painful.
How will I know the result?
We aim to send you the result by post within 3 weeks. Your doctor will receive a copy of your results.
If the mammogram shows a possible abnormality, you will be recalled to the Centre for further assessment. Your mammogram will usually be repeated and you will be seen by a doctor, who will examine you. If you need any further tests these will be explained to you. Most women recalled will be given normal results after further examination.
What should I do if I notice symptoms?
We encourage all women to be breast aware between their screening appointments. Please contact your doctor if you notice any unusual changes in your breasts at any time, even if you have recently had a normal mammogram.
What if I may be/am pregnant?
The radiation dose to the abdomen during mammography is extremely low, so you could still be screened. However, you may prefer to wait until you know you are not pregnant.
What do I do now?
If you would like to be offered screening by Breast Test Wales, please sign the consent form enclosed and return as indicated on the form.
What if I do not want to be screened?
You do not have to choose screening now. You will be invited automatically for screening after the age of 50 by Breast Test Wales, when we screen women in the general practice with which you are registered. Before then, if you change your mind, please contact the Genetics Service and they will send you another consent form.
Is there anything else I need to know?
This service is offered by Breast Test Wales only to women resident in Wales.
Breast Test Wales needs to hold information about you to allow us to issue screening invitations and to check on the performance of the programme. We take great care to keep your personal details confidential and only share information with people who have a statutory or medical requirement for it, for example your GP or the Genetics Service.
In order to see if there are benefits from this pilot scheme, some of your details will be added to a national database. These details will be anonymised; your name and address will remain confidential to Breast Test Wales and the Genetics Service.
Breast Test Wales reserves the right to discontinue screening women under the age of 50, for example if evidence becomes available that it is not beneficial.
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