In short
Breast screening uses a mammogram — a low-dose breast X-ray — to find breast cancer before symptoms appear. The NHS invites women aged 50 up to their 71st birthday every three years. The test takes a few minutes and most results are clear; most people recalled for further tests do not have cancer.
Screening means testing people who feel completely well, to find a disease early. Breast screening uses a mammogram — a low-dose X-ray of the breast — to spot cancers that are too small to see or feel. Finding breast cancer at this early stage usually means simpler, more successful treatment.
Screening is not the same as having symptoms checked. If you notice a breast change at any age, do not wait for a screening invitation — see your GP.
Who is invited, and when?
In the UK, the NHS Breast Screening Programme invites women (and people registered with a GP as female) from the age of 50 up to their 71st birthday. Invitations are sent every three years. You will usually get your first invitation between the ages of 50 and 53.
If you are over 71, you are no longer invited automatically, but you can still ask for screening every three years by contacting your local breast screening unit. People at higher-than-average risk — for example because of a strong family history or an inherited gene change — may be offered screening earlier and more often through a separate pathway.
What happens at a mammogram?
A mammogram is carried out by a specialist called a mammographer, who is female. You undress to the waist, and each breast is placed in turn on the machine and gently but firmly pressed flat between two plates while the X-ray is taken. The pressure lasts only a few seconds per image and is needed to get a clear picture.
Some people find it uncomfortable or briefly painful, but it is over quickly — the whole appointment usually takes less than half an hour. Results are sent by post, usually within two weeks, to you and your GP.
What are understanding your results?
Most people get a normal (clear) result and are simply invited again in three years. A small number are 'recalled' for more tests, such as further mammograms, an ultrasound scan or a biopsy (taking a tiny sample of tissue). Being recalled can be worrying, but it is important to know that most people who are recalled do not have cancer.
Like all screening, mammograms are not perfect. They can occasionally miss a cancer, or find a slow-growing one that would never have caused harm. Overall, the evidence shows that breast screening saves lives by catching cancers early, which is why it is offered.
What are the key takeaways?
- Breast screening uses a mammogram to find breast cancer early, before symptoms appear.
- In the UK, women aged 50 to 71 are invited every three years; those over 71 can request it.
- A mammogram takes only a few minutes; results usually arrive within two weeks.
- Most people recalled after screening do not have cancer.
- Screening is for people without symptoms — if you notice a breast change, see your GP straight away whatever your age.
Care like this is out of reach for millions
The diagnosis, screening and treatment described here are routine in the UK. In Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia, poverty puts them out of reach — so a treatable cancer too often becomes a fatal one. World Aid Network funds treatment through locally-licensed oncologists for patients who cannot pay.
Frequently asked questions
Does a mammogram hurt?
The breast is pressed firmly for a few seconds to get a clear image, which some people find uncomfortable or briefly painful while others barely notice it. Any discomfort passes quickly. Telling the mammographer if you are finding it painful can help.
Why does breast screening start at 50?
Breast cancer becomes more common with age, and mammograms work best on the breast tissue of women over 50, which is generally less dense. For most women, the benefits of routine screening outweigh the downsides from age 50. Women under 50 who are at higher risk because of family history or a known gene change may be offered screening earlier through a separate pathway.
What if I find a lump between screening appointments?
Do not wait for your next screening invitation. Screening is for people without symptoms. If you notice a lump or any other breast change at any time, see your GP, who can refer you for assessment if needed.
Can I still be screened after I turn 71?
Yes. You will no longer be invited automatically, but you can continue to have free screening every three years by contacting your local NHS breast screening unit to arrange it.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. It was reviewed by the World Aid Network editorial team for accuracy against NHS and World Health Organization sources. Always speak to a GP or qualified clinician about your own health.