20/03/2026
๐Understanding breast screening can help ease any worries you might have. It's a vital check that helps detect breast cancer early, often before you can feel any symptoms.
Here's a quick guide to where, when, and what happens during your screening
When is it done?
In the UK, women aged 50 to 71 are invited for breast screening every three years. You'll receive an invitation letter in the post when it's your turn. If you're over 71, you can still request a screening every three years by contacting your local screening unit.
Where is it done?
Screenings are usually carried out at dedicated breast screening units, which might be part of a hospital, or at mobile screening units that visit various community locations, including sometimes near our surgery or in nearby towns. The location will be clearly stated in your invitation letter.
What's done during the screening?
The screening itself is a mammogram, which is an X-ray of your breasts. Two X-rays are usually taken of each breast. The whole appointment typically takes less than 30 minutes, and the mammogram itself only takes a few minutes.
Early detection saves lives. Please don't ignore your invitation โ it's a quick and important step for your health. If you have any questions or concerns about breast screening, please don't hesitate to contact Highfield surgery, or visit the NHS website for more information.
Find out about NHS breast screening, including when you'll be invited, how to book, what happens and what your result means.