Breast screening saves lives by helping detect breast cancer at an early stage, when treatment is more likely to be successful and less invasive. This short video explains what to expect from your mammogram, how to prepare for your appointment, and where to go if you need more information or support.
Breast Screening Information
Breast screening is a free test that gives you the chance to detect signs of breast cancer, the most common cancer in women.
Cancer develops when cells in the body multiply uncontrollably, and if not detected in time, it can spread to other parts of the body.
People aged between 50 and 70 are invited for breast screening once every 3 years.
If you think you’re eligible for screening and haven’t been invited, please discuss this with your GP.
The test you’ll be offered is called a mammography.
The mammography machine takes X-rays to detect early signs of breast cancer.
The X-ray can identify cancer before the patient notices or feels any changes.
You’ll receive an invitation letter with an appointment at your nearest breast screening unit.
This may be a mobile unit or a screening unit at a local hospital.
If the appointment isn’t convenient, please contact the screening office to reschedule.
If you’d like to be accompanied, have special access or mobility needs and require appropriate adjustments, or have specific cultural or religious requirements, please contact us before your appointment.
At your appointment time, a mammography practitioner will call you into the examination room.
Mammography will always be performed by female staff.
The actual screening takes approximately 5-6 minutes.
You’ll be taken to a private space to change, and our team will respect your dignity throughout the process.
The machine will take X-ray images of the breast from different angles.
You may feel slight pressure. This can be uncomfortable, but only lasts a few seconds for each image.
The practitioner will explain the process and make sure you feel comfortable.
To create the images, the breast will be placed on the X-ray machine and will be gently but firmly compressed between two flat plastic plates.
This helps stabilise the breast and allows uniform compression of the breast tissue to obtain a clear image.
You may feel some pressure or discomfort, but it only lasts a few seconds.
It’s important to remain still during this part of the test.
After the image is taken, the breast will be released from the machine.
The machine will then be tilted to capture an image from a different angle.
The process will be repeated for the other breast.
Our experienced staff will support you throughout, helping you position correctly and ensuring the experience is as comfortable as possible.
You’ll receive your results by post within 2-3 weeks.
Your GP will also receive notification of your breast screening results.
Most people receive a normal result, but if further investigations are needed, the screening office will send you a letter with details about an appointment for additional assessment.
This appointment should take place within 21 days of having the mammography.
Although automatic invitations stop at age 71, you can still request screening after this age by contacting your local unit.
Screening appointments can seem difficult and hard to fit into your busy schedule, but the process is quick and could save your life.
Please attend your appointment if you’re invited.
For more details about local breast screening:
- For South East Essex please call: 0300 443 5422
- For Chelmsford and Colchester please call: 01206 748 339
Why breast screening is important?
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women. Screening can help detect it early – often before any symptoms are noticed. Early detection gives you more treatment options and a better chance of recovery.
The NHS Breast Screening Programme offers free screening every three years to women and people registered as female with a GP, aged between 50 and 70. You’ll receive a letter with an appointment when it’s your turn. If you think you should have been invited but haven’t received a letter, contact your local breast screening service in the first instance. If they aren’t able to help you, please contact your GP practice.
The screening test is called a mammogram. It uses a special X-ray machine to take images of your breasts and check for early signs of cancer.
Attending your appointment
You’ll receive an invitation by post with an appointment time and location – usually at your nearest mobile breast screening unit. If the time or location doesn’t work for you, contact the screening office to rearrange.
Please let the team know in advance if you:
- have any mobility or accessibility needs
- would like a chaperone
- require adjustments for cultural or religious reasons
On the day:
- You’ll be welcomed by the reception team and shown to the waiting area
- At your appointment time, you’ll be called by a female mammographer
- The team will explain the process, detailing what to expect from your mammogram, and answer any questions you may have.
The process is quick. The screening itself takes around five to six minutes. You’ll be shown to a private space to undress from the waist up.
During the test:
- Your breast is placed between two flat plates on the X-ray machine
- The plates compress the breast briefly to get clear images from different angles
- You may feel pressure or mild discomfort, but it only lasts a few seconds
- The same process is repeated for your other breast
The mammographer will support and guide you throughout to ensure your comfort and dignity.
We understand that screening appointments can feel daunting or difficult to prioritise. But the process is quick – and it could save your life.
If you’re invited, please do take up your appointment. And if you have questions, concerns, or specific needs, our staff are here to listen and help.
Getting your results
Your results will be posted to you within two weeks. A copy is also sent to your GP. Most people receive a normal result.
If any changes are spotted, you’ll be invited for further tests within three weeks. This doesn’t always mean cancer – often, additional images or checks are needed to rule out concerns.
If you’re over 70, you won’t automatically receive an invitation, but you can still arrange screening by contacting your local screening unit.
If you have any questions or need to rearrange your mammogram appointment, contact your local breast screening centre.
Local breast screening centre contact details
Chelmsford and Colchester Breast Screening Service
For people who live in the cities of Chelmsford and Colchester and the districts of Braintree, Maldon and Tendring.
South East Essex Breast Screening Service
For people who live in the districts of Basildon, Brentwood, Castle Point, Rochford, Thurrock and the city of Southend.
West Essex Breast Screening Service
For people who live in the districts of Epping, Harlow and Uttlesford.
We also encourage everyone to regularly check their breasts and be familiar with what’s normal for them. Changes to look out for include lumps, puckering or dimpling of the skin, discharge, or changes in shape or size.