Who and why we screen
Who we screen
All women between 50-71st birthday who are registered with a GP are invited for screening. A list is compiled from GP records, so it is important to make sure your details are correct.
The invitation is sent out automatically and all women will receive their first invitation for a mammogram sometime between their 50th and 53rd birthdays.
We invite doctor’s practices for screening in turn, so women will not necessarily get their invitation in the year that they turn 50. As long as you are registered with a GP, you will receive an invitation before your 53rd birthday.
The invitation is sent out automatically and all women will receive their first invitation for a mammogram sometime between their 50th and 53rd birthdays.
We invite doctor’s practices for screening in turn, so women will not necessarily get their invitation in the year that they turn 50. As long as you are registered with a GP, you will receive an invitation before your 53rd birthday.
If you are over aged 71 or over you can still have your 3 yearly screening mammogram, however you will need to contact us to make an appointment.
Why we screen
One in eight women will develop breast cancer at some time in their life. 80% of breast cancers occur in women over 50. The risk of breast cancer rises as women get older. This is why the breast screening programme only targets women in this age group.
Breast Screening can help to find small changes in the breast before there are any other signs or symptoms. Early detection may mean simpler and more successful treatment. The latest research shows that the NHS Breast Screening Programme is now saving over 1,400 lives every year in England.
The aim of the NHS Breast Screening Programme is to reduce the number of breast cancer deaths in the UK.