Symptoms
The National Breast Screening Programme is a population screening programme for well women and it is not aimed at women who already have symptoms. If you have a breast symptom or are concerned about your breasts, you should contact your GP practice without delay. He or she will decide whether you need any tests or investigations. A mammogram will pick up most, but not all, breast problems and is one of a range of tests that may be required for women with breast symptoms.
If you would like more information about breast symptoms you may find it helpful to visit the Breast Cancer Care website.
Results
Your mammograms are reviewed and the results will be sent to you within two weeks. Your GP will also be notified of your results.
There are 3 possible results
Your x-rays have shown no signs of cancer and you will be invited again in 3 years time for your next routine screen. If you are over 70 and do not receive a further invite please contact us to make one.
The mammogram needs to be repeated for technical reasons only. Occasionally not all of the breast tissue can be seen on the xrays or the pictures may be blurred. The mammogram is repeated to ensure all the breast tissue can be clearly seen. Approximately 3 out of every 100 women screened will be called back for a technical repeat to get a good quality mammogram. You will be invited to attend the screening unit at either Warrington Hospital or St Helens Hospital so your repeated x-rays can be checked for technical quality before you leave.
Sometimes we need more detail about an area we have seen on your mammogram before we can decide on a result. If this is the case you will receive an appointment to attend our assessment clinic at either Warrington Hospital or St Helens Hospital. This additional appointment is part of routine screening and for most women invited back nothing of concern will be found. Approximately 5 out of 100 women who have breast screening will be asked to come back to our clinic for a further examination. 4 of these 5 women will be found to have a normal result. Any women invited to an assessment clinic will be able to speak to a breast care nurse if they want more information before attending.
If you would like to bring somebody with you, then please feel free to do so. However, there is only a limited amount of space in the waiting area.