About 1 in 7 women in the UK are diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime. Breast cancer treatment is more successful and there’s a better chance of recovery if cancers are detected at an early stage, which is why it’s so important for women aged 50 to 71 to attend their breast screening when invited.

Breast screening uses an X-ray test called a mammogram that can spot cancers when they are too small to see or feel. The mammographer will always be female. If you have a health condition, disability, or a physical issue which may make having a mammogram difficult, contact the London Breast Screening Hub on 020 3758 2024. They will make reasonable adjustments to ensure the breast screening services are accessible to you.

If you notice any changes in your breasts, contact your GP, even if you have recently had a clear breast screening. Do not wait for your next breast screening appointment.     Symptoms of breast cancer in women - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

As the possibility of getting breast cancer increases with age, anyone registered with a GP as female will be invited for NHS breast screening every 3 years between the ages of 50 up to their 71st birthday. You’ll get a letter in the post inviting you. Anyone registered with a GP as female who is aged 71 or over will not be automatically invited. But you can still book a breast screening appointment every 3 years by calling the London Breast Screening Hub on 020 3758 2024. Breast screening aims to find breast cancers early. It uses an X-ray test called a mammogram that can spot cancers when they are too small to see or feel. This video illustrates what happens at a breast screening appointment and this step-by-step guide explains the steps involved in having a mammogram. Mammograms are done by a specialist called a mammographer. The mammographer will be female. Breast screening mammogram appointments can be changed to a time, date and place that suits you. Londoners can ring the London Breast Screening Hub on 020 3758 2024 to discuss options available in your local area, which may include evening or weekend appointments. If you miss your appointment, you can always rebook by calling 020 3758 2024. If you have a health condition, disability, or a physical issue which may make having a mammogram difficult, contact the London Breast Screening Hub. We will make reasonable adjustments to ensure our breast screening services are accessible to you. For more information about breast screening, such as what happens at your appointment or where you’ll have it, search ‘NHS breast screening’ on the NHS website

 Breast screening (mammogram) - NHS (www.nhs.uk)has a dedicated webpage, which shares information on when, why and how clients will be invited for their breast screening. It also includes information on what happens at the appointment and resources for further support.

From easy read leaflets to information on how to help eligible women make an informed choice, the GOV.UK website Breast screening: information leaflets - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)has a range of resources that can be printed or downloaded to help you communicate the importance of breast screening.

Translated materials The research and support charity Breast Cancer Now Download and order publications | Breast Cancer Now has a range of translated materials available for print and download, which also include illustrations of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer on different skin tones. They have also produced an animation on YouTube that explains what breast cancer is, the risk factors and how to be breast aware in 13 languages, including BSL. Public Health Talk by Breast Cancer Now Translations - 2021 - YouTube

Resources for clients with learning disabilities Several screening easy read guides that combine images and simple words are available for download, including: • NHS easy read guide about breast screening • Beyond Words, a charity that publishes picture stories for people with learning disabilities, has developed an illustrative easy read guide to breast screening • GOV.UK easy read leaflet • Barnet Mencap, a charity for people with learning disabilities has also created a breast cancer screening video for people with learning disabilities and further resources for people with learning disabilities.

Breast implants PHE information on breast screening for clients with implants breast-implants-breast-screening.pdf (london-breastscreening.org.uk)

Resources for transgender clients The Best for my Chest Campaign is a People of Colour (POC) and LGBTIQ+ inclusive breast cancer screening campaign that encourages people in the community to attend breast screening. Further information on NHS screening programmes for trans people

Published: Sep 25, 2024