Who We Screen

Dr Alex Valencia reviewing breast results

All women between 50 and 70 years who are registered with a GP are eligible 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, so there is no need to phone and make your own appointment. 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.

Women over 70

Women over 70 are encouraged to make their own appointment by contacting the breast screening service on 0117 414 7070.

I am 50 why have I not received my appointment?

Once every three years your GP practice will be contacted and all women between the ages of 50 and 70 will be routinely invited. Not every woman will receive an appointment as soon as she is 50. You will receive your first appointment before your 53rd birthday.

I am under 50 can I have an appointment?

Currently the breast screening programme is rolling out an age extension, extending the age ranges of women being invited for screening from 47-73. This is so every woman will have her first screening mammogram by her 50th birthday. This programme is not expected to be completed until 2016. Women below the aged of 50 should continue to be breast aware. If you have a family history of breast cancer please see your GP who may refer you to our family history clinic. The family history clinic will assess your need for extra mammographic screening.

What should I do between breast screens?

You should continue to be breast aware, look and feel, learning what is normal for you and reporting any changes or concerns to your GP without delay. Do not wait until your next mammogram. Breast screening will pick up most but not all breast cancer.

Why is my screening invitation not exactly 3 years since my last appointment?

From time to time changes to the screening plan result in women receiving an appointment slightly earlier than the standard 3 years. If you believe it has been more than 3 years since your last screening mammogram please contact us on 0117 414 7070.

I am 70 can I have an appointment?

Yes. The risk of getting breast cancer increases as women get older and we encourage women over 70 to continue with three yearly screening. All women over the age of 70 will need to contact us on 0117 414 7070 to arrange their appointment.

Concerns about your Breasts

Please remember that anyone of any age with concerns about their breasts should contact their GP immediately.

Breast Screening Appointments

If you have received an appointment but it is not convenient, you can change your appointment or contact us on 0117 4147070 to request an alternative location, date or time.

Request an Appointment

If you are over 70 and have not been screened for over 3 years you are welcome to request an appointment or contact us on 0117 4147070 for an appointment.