Breast screening is a method of detecting breast cancer at a very early stage. The earlier a cancer is detected the better the chances of making a full recovery. The screening process involves having an x-ray of each breast - a mammogram - which is taken while carefully compressing the breast. The mammogram can detect small changes in breast tissue which may indicate cancers which are too small to be felt either by the woman herself or by a doctor.

All women aged over 50 are eligible for screening every three years and women aged between 50 and 70 are regularly invited for breast screening. The NHS Breast Screening Programme strongly recommends women over 70 make their own appointment and for information they should contact their GP.

All women invited for breast screening will be sent a copy of ‘Breast Screening – the facts’. The leaflet is available in alternative languages and formats via the screening programmes’ website.