Breast cancer screening
Screening for breast cancer is available for all women aged 50 to 70 and is carried out by a special type of X-ray called mammography. Mammography is repeated every three years. After you reach 70, routine mammography ceases, but you can still request it by contacting your local breast screening service.
Women with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer may be screened before the age of 50 years with MRI scanning [magnetic resonance imaging]. Your GP can refer you to a specialist clinic to discuss your level of risk and further tests required.
Self-examination of the breast
It is recommended that you inspect and feel your own breasts on a regular basis so that you may detect changes, such as a lump, at an early stage.
If you experience the following symptoms or changes, please seek advice from your family doctor:
- A lump or area of thickening in either breast which was not present before
- Bloodstained discharge from either nipple
- Dimpling of the skin on the breast
- A lump or swelling in the armpit
- Change in shape of the breast
- Rash around the nipple or in-drawing of the nipple
For further information about breast cancer screening and symptoms please visit http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer