Frequently Asked Questions

A mammogram is an x-ray examination of the breasts and is a method of finding breast cancer at a very early stage.

A female mammographer will compress your breasts, one at a time between two special x-ray plates and take the x-rays.

The compression only lasts a few seconds and does not cause any harm to the breasts.  

Compression is needed to keep the breast still and to get the clearest picture with the lowest amount of radiation possible.

X-rays involve radiation but mammograms only require a very low dose.  

The dose received is similar to what a person will be exposed to flying from London to Australia and back.  

The risk of such a low dose causing cancer is outweighed by the benefits of early detection of breast cancer.

Yes. Please be aware that there is limited space on our mobile screening van.

(Please follow Covid guidelines in place at the time of your appointment).

No. Breast screening aims to find breast cancer at an early stage when it may be too small to feel.  

Finding breast cancer early greatly increases your chances of successful treatment.

A mammogram takes a few minutes however; your whole visit to the screening unit will take about half an hour depending upon how busy it is.

Please contact the office on 01282 805301 to discuss your appointment, as we may need to allocate more time for your screening.  

Your appointment may also have to be booked at the screening unit at Burnley General Teaching Hospital, where we have disabled access.

Yes, it is safe for you to have a mammogram.  It is helpful if you can tell the mammographer where your pacemaker is situated.

Your pacemaker may hide the small area of breast tissue behind the pacemaker, preventing it from being seen on the x-ray. The film readers will only be able to report on the breast tissue that they can see on your mammogram.

Yes, because you still have breast tissue which can still be screened. There is no evidence to suggest breast implants are damaged by mammograms.

If you have implants please let the radiographer know when you attend your appointment.   If you have any questions or queries about having a mammogram, please contact the office on 01282 805301 to discuss your screening appointment.

Breast implants appear as a solid white area on a mammogram. This may hide some of the breast tissue preventing it from being seen on the x-ray. The film readers will only be able to report on the breast tissue that they can see on your mammogram.

Please contact the unit before your appointment if you are pregnant or are breastfeeding, by calling 01282 805301.

You will be asked to undress completely down to your waist so it is a good idea to wear separates instead of a dress.

Your results will be sent to your home address and this should be within two weeks. You will be advised of any expected delays at the time of your screening.

Your mammogram will be performed either at the Mobile Screening van or the main department at the Edith Watson Unit in Burnley General Teaching Hospital

A female mammographer will always carry out the x-ray.

You will not need to book an appointment.  A pre-arranged appointment detailing the date, time and location will be sent to you automatically if you are registered with a GP. 

We respect your decision not to be screened, although we would encourage all women to attend breast screening when invited.  But if you choose not to be screened, please contact the East Lancashire Breast Screening Office on 01282 805301.

If you change your mind at any point in the future please contact us. We will be happy to make you another appointment.

Please contact the Breast Screening Office on 01282 805301.

Please contact the Breast Screening Office on 01282 805301 for advice on whether you should attend for this screening appointment.

If you have notified your GP practice of your new address you will be invited for screening at the normal time.

If you have moved house and fear you may have missed a screening appointment, please contact the Breast Screening Office on 01282 805301.

Please contact the Breast Screening Office on 01282 805301 and we will be happy to make you another appointment.

See your GP without delay even if you have had a recent mammogram.  Breast changes can occur at any time and in-between your screening appointment.  Any concerns should be investigated promptly.

If you have a breast lump or any other breast symptom you should see your GP, who may organise a referral to the Breast Clinic at Burnley General Teaching Hospital.

Women registered with a GP and aged between 50 up to 71 years old will be invited for breast screening once every 3 years.

This will mean that not every woman will receive a letter as soon she turns 50, but should receive the first invitation by her 53^rd birthday.

Routine screening in women below the age of 50 has not yet shown to be of benefit. This is because 80% of all breast cancers occur in women over the age of 50. It is important however, to continue being breast aware.

If, on the other hand, you have a family history of breast cancer, please contact your GP who may refer you to the Family History Clinic where they will assess your need for extra screening.

You should continue to be breast aware and look and feel your breasts. 

This will help you to understand what is normal for you and if you notice anything different, then report any changes or concerns to your GP without delay. Do not wait until your next breast screening appointment.

Breast screening will pick up most but not all breast cancer.

From time to time changes to the screening plan result in women receiving an appointment slightly earlier than the standard three years. 

But if you believe it's been more than three years since your last screening mammogram, please call the screening office on 01282 805301.

Yes. The risk of getting breast cancer increases as women get older and we encourage women over 71 to continue with three yearly screening.

You will need to self-refer as you will not be routinely invited. Please call the Screening Office on 01282 805301 if it has been more than three years since your last mammogram.

If you fear you are more at risk of breast cancer because of your family history you should discuss this with your GP.  

Your GP can advise you further and may refer you to a Family History clinic where they will assess your risk and arrange extra screening if needed.

We are happy to screen women who have had breast cancer.

If you have recently had a mammogram please contact the Screening Office on 01282 805301 for advice.