Mammograms are available to certain groups of people through a national screening programme (stock) (Image: Getty)
Women over a particular age are encouraged to attend screening for a significant health issue, which accounts for more than 56,900 new cases every year. The NHS also highlighted that 20,000 cases were identified last year through this approach, and it can detect problems even before symptoms emerge.
In a post to X, formerly Twitter, the NHS said: « Regular breast screening can find breast cancer before you notice any symptoms – and nearly 20,000 cancers were detected last year through screening. If you’re a woman aged 50–70, you’ll be invited every three years until your 71st birthday. »
As explained by the NHS, women typically receive their initial screening invitation between the ages of 50 and 53. These appointments occur every three years until someone reaches 71. Whilst trans men, trans women and non-binary people may also receive automatic invitations for screenings, some might need to consult with a GP initially.
Throughout the examination, a female specialist will perform four breast X-rays, also known as mammograms. These scans take just a few minutes, meaning an entire appointment usually lasts around half an hour.
For a mammogram, patients are required to undress from the waist upwards and use a private changing facility. It’s crucial not to use talcum powder or spray deodorant on the day of the examination, as these products can affect the results.
Online NHS guidance explains: « The mammographer will help place one of your breasts into the right position on the X-ray machine. They’ll need to touch your breast. Your breast will be squeezed between two pieces of plastic to keep it still before taking the first X-ray. This takes a few seconds and you’ll need to stay still.
Regular breast screening can find breast cancer before you notice any symptoms – and nearly 20,000 cancers were detected last year through screening.
If you’re a woman aged 50–70, you’ll be invited every 3 years until your 71st birthday.
— NHS (@NHSuk) February 19, 2026
« The mammographer will then move the machine and take a second X-ray. Your breast will be taken off the machine after the X-rays are done. Your other breast will then be X-rayed the same way. »
Whilst it may sound uncomfortable, the NHS confirms that any pain or discomfort should disappear very quickly. If it persists after a few days, seek GP advice.
Letters containing the results are usually received within two weeks following the examination. If it takes longer, it doesn’t necessarily indicate a problem, but you can contact your local screening service to check for any updates.
If you show no signs of breast cancer you will not require any further tests and will be invited back in three years. However, in some cases, a specialist might decide that additional examinations are necessary.
Typically, this can include any of the following:
- Further mammograms
- Ultrasounds of a breast/breasts
- Another examination of a breast/breasts
- Taking a biopsy (small sample) from the breast using a needle
Guidance from NHS England also adds: « For every 100 people who have breast screening, four will need further tests. This does not necessarily mean you have breast cancer. Most people who need further tests do not have breast cancer.
« You will be invited for a breast assessment appointment. If you’re worried or have any questions, you can speak to a breast screening nurse over the phone before your appointment. Your invitation for further tests will tell you how to contact them[…]The specialist team will tell you when and how you will get your results, depending on which tests were done. »
Estimates from Cancer Research UK suggest that more than 56,900 new breast cancer cases arise each year. Anyone with symptoms who is not yet scheduled for a screening should seek medical advice.
Macmillan Cancer Support has a free helpline that’s open every day from 8am to 8pm. They’re there to listen if you have anything you want to talk about. Call: 0808 808 00 00
