Breast screening saves lives. It helps detect breast cancer at an early stage, when treatment is more likely to be successful and less invasive.
This short video explains what happens during breast screening, how to prepare for your appointment, and where to go if you need more information or support.
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 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 and answer any questions you may have
What happens during the mammogram
The screening 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.
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.
Local breast screening centre contact details
- Chelmsford and Colchester (for people who live in Braintree, Maldon and Chelmsford) — 01206 748 339
- South East Essex (for people who live in Basildon, Brentwood, Castle Point, Rochford and Thurrock — 0300 443 5422
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.
We’re here to support you
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.
Watch our video above to learn more about the screening process and what to expect
Your breast screening journey: what to expect
Breast screening is free and gives you the opportunity to detect early signs of breast cancer — the most common type of cancer in women.
It develops when cells in the body divide at an uncontrolled rate, and if not detected early, it can spread to other organs.
Patients aged 50 to 70 years undergo breast screening every 3 years.
If you are eligible for screening but have not been invited, contact your family doctor.
This examination is called a mammography.
The mammography machine takes X-ray images that detect early signs of breast cancer.
X-rays can help detect cancer before the patient notices changes.
You will receive an invitation letter with an appointment to the nearest screening unit.
This is either a mobile breast screening unit or a screening unit at the local hospital.
If this visit is inconvenient for you, call to reschedule it.
If you need an escort, require facilities or assistance, and need appropriate conditions, or have cultural or religious needs, contact us before your visit.
At the appointed time, the mammographer will invite you to the room.
Your mammography will always be performed by a female mammographer.
The screening takes approximately 5-6 minutes.
You will be given the opportunity to change clothes, and our team will take care of your dignity throughout the process.
The machine takes X-ray images of your breasts from different angles.
You may feel some pressure. This may be uncomfortable, but it only lasts a few seconds.
The mammographer will tell you about the process and make sure you are comfortable.
To obtain images, the breast will be placed on the machine and gently but firmly compressed between two flat plates.
This helps to fix the breast for even compression of tissues and obtain a clear image.
You may feel pressure or discomfort, but this only lasts a few seconds.
It is important to remain still during this part of the screening.
After obtaining the image, the breast will be released from the machine.
After this, the X-ray machine will be tilted to take a picture from another angle.
The same will be repeated for the second breast.
Experienced staff will be with you the whole time, helping you to carefully position yourself and make the process as comfortable as possible.
You will receive your results by letter within two to three weeks.
Your doctor will also receive notification about the results of your breast screening.
Usually the result is normal, but if a repeat examination is needed for further tests, we will send you a letter with information about the next visit.
The visit should take place within 21 days after the mammography.
Automatic invitations stop after 71, after this age screening can be ordered by contacting the local department.
Screening visits can be exhausting and difficult to fit into your schedule, but the process does not take much time and can save your life.
If you are invited — come to the visit.