Breast cancer
Who is eligible?
- If you are between 50 and 70, you will be invited every three years to take part in the NHS Breast Screening Programme.
- Women between 50 and 70 will be invited every 3 years
- Women over 70 will no longer receive an invitation but have the right to request a screen every three years
- The programme will soon be expanded to include women aged 47 - 73. Services in Coventry and Warwickshire are currently part of a pilot scheme and you may be invited even if you are under 50 or over 70 years old.
Why go for screening?
- Breast screening (mammography) is an X-ray examination of the breasts. It can show breast cancers at an early stage, when they are too small for you or your doctor to see or feel.
- If changes are found at an early stage, there is a good chance of a successful recovery. Breast screening saves an estimated 1,400 lives each year in this country.
- A mammogram takes a few minutes and involves a tiny dose of radiation, so the risk to your health is very small. Your whole visit to the breast screening unit should take about half an hour.
Useful Leaflet
Breast Screening – The facts
Useful websites
Warwickshire, Solihull & Coventry Breast Screening Service – local information
NHS Breast Screening Programme – national information
NHS Direct
Charities
Breakthrough Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer UK
CRUK – Cancer Research UK
MacMillan Cancer Support