Mammogram
NHS BREAST SCREEENING SAVES 1400 LIVES EVERY YEAR
A Mammogram (breast screening) is a simple and quick (20 minutes) X-ray of the breast, where your breast is placed between two plates. It can pick up abnormalities that you and your doctor may not be able to see or feel. Breast screening can help to find small changes in the breast before there are any signs or symptoms. It’s imperative that anybody with a lump/abnormality that their doctor thinks needs more investigation gets a mammogram done immediately.
All women between the ages of 50-70 should have regular (every 3 years) breast X-rays (as part of the national screening programme, which is free and confidential). This is because 80% of breast cancer cases happen with women over the age of 50. Women in this age bracket should receive invitation as long as they are signed up with a GP. If for some reason this hasn’t happened then make sure you book an appointment right away. Anyone outside of this age bracket should make regular appointments despite there being no automatic invite.
Results usually take about 2 weeks to come through. If your mammogram results show that you need further investigation then you will be recalled back to a screening centre for further assessment. Only a small percentage of recalls turn out to be cancerous but you can never be too cautious.
Other tests and treatments
Further assessment may include another mammogram, an ultrasound scan, or both. A biopsy or fine needle aspiration may also be carried out where a small sample of breast tissue is taken and then examined under a microscope. This can be done very quickly under local anaesthetic.
At every stage of each process make sure the doctor explains to you what is happening and also what your options are. Make sure you discuss why your doctor is recommending certain actions. If you do not understand what is going on then the whole process will be more stressful for you than needs be.
If your biopsy shows that you do have cancer then your doctor will discuss with you the treatment options. This is usually some kind of surgery followed by radiotherapy and/or drug treatment (chemotherapy/hormone therapy).
Survival rates
The survival rates for women with breast cancer are improving significantly. During the 1970’s approximately 5 in 10 patients survived beyond 5 years. It is now 8 in 10 and our long term aim is to help make this 10 in 10. We believe it can be done, but it starts with you. It’s imperative that you check yourself as often as possible. Never be afraid to contact us or your local GP.