Understanding your mammogram results

Your breast screening (mammogram) results will be sent to you, usually within two weeks of your appointment.

Your GP will also be notified of your results.

There are three possible results:

Normal

Your X-rays have shown no signs of cancer and you will be invited again in three years for your next routine screen. If you are aged 71 or over and do not receive a further invitation but would like one please contact us.

Technical repeat

The mammogram needs to be repeated for technical reasons only. Occasionally not all of the breast tissue can be seen on the X-rays or the pictures may be blurred. The mammogram is repeated to ensure all the breast tissue can be clearly seen.

Approximately three 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 service at either Halton Hospital, Captain Sir Tom Moore Building or St Helens Hospital Burney Breast Unit so that your repeated X-rays can be checked for technical quality before you leave.

Further assessment

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 Halton Hospital, Captain Sir Tom Moore Building or St Helens Hospital Burney Breast Unit.

Visit our 'Breast Assessment Clinic' page for further information about what to expect.