Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Last updated: Tuesday 15 July 2025If you have a question please check the FAQs below. If you still can't find the answer you're looking for then please feel free to contact us and we will be happy to try and help.
Having a mammogram
What is a mammogram?
A mammogram is an X-ray examination of the breasts and is a method of finding breast cancer at a very early stage. A female mammographer will compress your breasts, one at a time between two special X-ray plates and take the X-rays. The compression only lasts a few seconds and does not cause any harm to the breasts. Compression is needed to keep the breast still and to get the clearest picture with the lowest amount of radiation possible.
Does a mammogram hurt?
Some women find mammography uncomfortable and some find it painful as the breasts have to be held firmly in position and pressed to take a good X-ray. If you do experience pain it usually only lasts as long as the mammogram, although it may continue for some time in a small number of women.
Who will take my mammogram?
A female mammographer will always perform the X-ray.
How long will the mammogram take?
A mammogram takes a few minutes, however your whole visit to the screening service will take about half an hour.
Are mammograms safe?
Any X-ray involves radiation but mammograms only require a very low dose. It is about the same as the dose a person receives by flying from London to Australia and back. The risk that such a low dose could cause a cancer is far outweighed by the benefits of early detection of breast cancer.
Does breast screening prevent breast cancer?
No. Breast screening aims to find breast cancer at an early stage when it may be too small for you or your doctor to feel. Finding breast cancer early greatly increases your chances of successful treatment.
Where will the mammogram be done?
Your mammogram will be performed either at a mobile screening unit or permanent unit within a building, at one of our screening site locations. Visit the locations page for more information.
What shall I wear for my appointment?
It is advisable to wear separates for example, a skirt and blouse / jumper or trousers and blouse / jumper. After the radiographer has checked your details, you will be taken through to a changing room and asked to undress to the waist and put on your blouse or jumper to cover up whilst waiting for your X-ray. Once in the X-ray room there will only be yourself and the female radiographer.
We do not have changing rooms at our hospital sites. You will be asked to undress once you are in the X-ray room.
We can provide a single use front-opening patient modesty gown which provides comfort and modesty for our clients when attending their breast screening appointment. The front-opening gown has short sleeves and is designed as a kimono, which is easier for patients to put on and ties at the waist. If you wish to wear a gown when you attend for screening please ask a member of our team at your appointment. We want the mammogram to be a good experience, so we will do everything we can to maintain your privacy and dignity throughout.
Can I bring someone with me?
If your appointment is at one of our hospital sites you are welcome to bring someone to wait in the waiting room with you. It is not possible for them to go into the X-ray room with you.
At our mobile units and at Bath Street Health and Wellbeing Centre we keep our waiting room for breast screening patients only. This is due to limited space and helps us to maintain privacy and dignity. You are welcome to bring someone with you, but they will have to wait outside of the unit.
Please be aware that our staff are unable to supervise any children while you are having your mammogram.
When do I get my test results?
Your results should be sent to you within two weeks. You will be advised of any expected delays at the time of your screening.
Can I bring a friend / relative to act as an interpreter for me?
Unfortunately, we are unable to allow friends or relatives to act as an interpreter.
Please do let us know before your appointment if you need an interpreter so we can book an appropriate appointment and make these arrangements for you. This appointment will be at one of our hospital sites and we will normally use a telephone interpreter. If any further tests are required, we will normally book an interpreter to come to the department.
Appointments
I have been invited to have a mammogram, but I have had a mammogram within the last six months, do I still need to come?
Please contact the screening service using the contact us page, and we will advise you.
I missed my appointment, how do I get another one?
Please contact the screening service using the contact us page, and we will be happy to make you another appointment.
Can I change the date and time of my appointment?
Yes, please complete the online change appointment form to alter the date, time or location of your screening appointment and a new appointment will be sent to you. It is helpful if you confirm information such as dates you are on holiday in the relevant information section.
I have been screened elsewhere, shall I still keep my screening appointment?
Please contact us to establish if it is advisable for you to attend for this screening appointment.
I have moved house, what happens to my screening appointment?
If you have notified your GP practice of your new address you will be called for screening when eligible patients from your new practice are called. If this is likely to be over three years since your last invitation you will be called separately from your practice to ensure you are screened on time.
If you have moved house and fear you may have missed a screening appointment please contact us.
Why have I been sent to a different site this time?
From time to time screening locations can change due to availability. If the site you have been called to is not convenient then please request a change of appointment.
Can I arrange my appointment nearer my place of work?
Yes, we screen in a number of locations. View our alternative locations for your screening appointment. If these sites are not convenient for your place of work, please contact us.
I don't want to be screened, what do I do?
We respect your decision not to be screened, although we would encourage all women to attend for breast screening when invited.
If you choose not to take up your invitation please contact the screening office so your appointment slot is not wasted.
If you change your mind at any point in the future please contact us. We will be happy to make you another appointment.
Timing of breast screening
I am breastfeeding at the moment, should I attend?
It would not be recommended that you attend your appointment at this time, please contact us to cancel and re-arrange when your situation changes.
Is screening every three years often enough?
At present, three yearly screening is recommended by the NHS Breast Screening Programme.
What should I do between breast screens?
You should continue to be 'breast aware' learning what is normal for you. If you notice any changes or have any concerns about your breasts, contact your GP without delay. Do not wait until your next mammogram. Breast screening will pick up most, but not all, breast cancer.
I am 75, can I have an appointment?
Yes. The risk of getting breast cancer increases as women get older and we encourage women aged 71 and over to continue with three yearly screening. All women over the age of 71 need to contact us to arrange an appointment.
Why am I being called for screening again before three years has passed?
From time to time changes to the screening schedule occur to ensure that every woman receives an appointment within three years. This can sometimes result in a small number of women receiving an appointment earlier than expected.
I am under 50, can I have an appointment?
Currently, some women may be invited from the age 49, as part of the screening programme. This will be dependent on their registered GP Practice and certain criteria i.e. year of birth.
I am 50, why have I not received an appointment?
Once every three years your GP practice will be contacted and all women between the ages of 50 and 70 will be routinely invited. Not every woman will receive an appointment as soon as they are 50. You will receive your first appointment before your 53rd birthday.
People with disabilities
I have a disability, how do I arrange my screening appointment?
Please contact us to discuss your screening appointment, as we would like to allocate more time for your appointment. Your appointment will be made at one of our screening site locations, where we have larger rooms and accessible facilities. If you require transport for your appointment, please contact us and we can provide the details for the Patient Transport Service.
If you use a wheelchair or are unsteady on your feet, we have a special chair we can use to do your mammogram. If the arms come off your own wheelchair, we may also be able to do the mammogram while you are sat in your own wheelchair.
Familiarisation sessions are also available if you are unsure about coming for a mammogram, want to see the equipment and meet our staff beforehand. Please contact us so we can arrange this.
Breast implants and pacemakers
I have breast implants, should I still have a mammogram?
You can still have a mammogram done if you have implants, please let the radiographer know at the start of the appointment so we can adapt our technique. Before the mammogram the radiographer will ask you some questions about your breast implants including what year you had the surgery and what type of implants you have. They will also ask you to sign a consent form to say you are happy to continue with the procedure.
Will breast implants affect my mammogram?
Breast implants appear as a solid white area on a mammogram. This may hide some of the breast tissue preventing it from being seen on the X-ray. The film readers will only be able to report on the breast tissue that they can see on your mammogram.
I have a pacemaker, can I have a mammogram?
Yes, it is safe for you to have a mammogram. It is helpful if you can tell the mammographer where your pacemaker is sited.
Will my pacemaker affect my mammogram?
Your pacemaker may hide the small area of breast tissue behind the pacemaker, preventing it from being seen on the X-ray. The film readers will only be able to report on the breast tissue that they can see on your mammogram.
Single or double mastectomies
I have had a mastectomy, can I have a mammogram?
You will have a mammogram of the opposite breast if you’ve had a single (unilateral) mastectomy. This means that if you had a mastectomy of the right breast, you would only have a mammogram of the left breast.
If you have undergone a double (bilateral) mastectomy and you are invited for screening, please contact us for further advice.
If you are still under the care of a Breast Surgeon, and are invited for screening, please contact us for further advice.
Breast symptoms or changes
What should I do if I notice any breast changes?
See your GP without delay even if you have had a recent mammogram. Do not wait until your next mammogram.
I have a breast lump, how do I make an appointment?
If you have a breast lump or any other breast symptom you should see your GP, who may organise a referral to your local breast service.
Family history of breast cancer
I have a family history of breast cancer, do I need to have mammograms more often?
If you think you are in a high risk group, you should discuss this with your GP. Your GP can advise you further and may refer you to a family history clinic at your local breast unit.
Breast cancer patients
I have had breast cancer in the past, do I still need to come?
Yes, as your risk of breast cancer is slightly higher if you have previously had breast cancer.
Who works in the Breast Screening Service?
A range of staff are involved in the Breast Screening Service. See below for details of different staff roles within the service.
Receptionist
Welcomes people to the unit and confirms details (as per their appointment letter).
Radiographer
Carries out the mammography on X-ray machines. Radiographers may also assist radiologists in undertaking ultrasound scans and other procedures.
Consultant radiologist
Undertakes ultrasound, fine needle aspirations and views X-rays to decide what other tests may be needed. They also liaise closely with pathologists and surgeons regarding diagnosis.
Pathologist
A pathologist is an expert in interpreting tissue samples from any tests that involve taking a small sample of breast tissue. Most tissue samples need to be processed in the laboratory and interpreted by a pathologist before the results can be given.
Breast care nurse
Offers support and information to women and their relatives at the clinic. Breast care nurses also arrange admission for surgery, if necessary.
Surgeon
Breast surgeons work in some of our assessment clinics carrying out tests and discussing results with women. If anybody needs further treatment they will be referred to a breast surgeon in one of the local hospitals (according to individual patient preference).
Terminology
What is cytology?
Cytology is where a few cells may be removed from your breast with a very fine needle and examined under a microscope. This test is similar to having blood taken.
What is a biopsy?
A biopsy is a small area of breast tissue that may be removed and examined under the microscope. This is carried out under local anaesthetic.
What is an ultrasound?
An ultrasound is a scan which uses sound waves to create an image of the tissues within the breast.
What is a mastectomy?
A mastectomy is an operation to remove the breast.
What does 'aspiration' mean?
Aspiration means removing fluid from a lump (or cyst) using a fine needle.
What is histology?
Histology is the examination of tissues under the microscope to assist diagnosis. For example, after a biopsy is performed a pathologist will perform a 'histological' evaluation, which means the tissue collected will be analysed for any abnormalities.