Breast Screening aims to find cancers early, it uses an x-ray called a mammogram which can find very small cancers before they have caused any symptoms or can be felt. The NHS invites woman aged 50-70 for Breast Screening every 3 years.
Action Cancer is the only charity in the UK and Ireland to offer breast screening to women aged 40 – 49 and 70 plus who fall outside the NHS age range.
We have been screening women in Northern Ireland for breast cancer since 1978, ten years ahead of the introduction of the NHS service.
In 2018, we launched the first 3D breast screening service in the UK, this involved us adding to the traditional 2D mammogram an additional tool called Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (DBT).
DBT creates a 3-dimensional picture of the breast, it takes multiple pictures of each breast from many angles. Action Cancer use this 3D technology to screen all those aged 40-49. The benefits proven by research are:
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK and the number of people diagnosed each year is increasing. But with earlier diagnosis and better treatment options fewer people are dying from breast cancer.
Evidence shows that breast screening has contributed to this reduction. Breast screening will not prevent breast cancer from developing, but it can help find a breast cancer sooner, which means a better outlook is more likely. Cancers detected early are much more treatable.
Early detection of breast cancer saves lives!
Breast screening programmes such as ours exist to x-ray well (asymptomatic) women who have no signs, symptoms or increased risk of breast cancer in age group where it has been proven to be effective, every 2 years. Our screening service is accessible for those aged 40-49 & 70+ (the NHS programmes covers those aged 50-70) who are registered with a NI GP.
Women in NI can request an appointment to be assessed for Mammography screening at Action Cancer. When making this appointment you will be asked if you meet the criteria for our service. At your appointment the Radiographer will confirm that you are eligible for our service using this criteria and if so, will carry out your screening mammogram at the time.
If you have a breast concern or any symptoms please see your GP immediately, a breast screening mammogram may not be the appropriate test and the NICE guidelines around symptomatic women are very different, we will be unable to screen you should you have a concern.
Action Cancer provide Breast Screening in 2 venues:
NHS screening
If you are aged 50 – 70 and are registered with a GP, you will be called every three years for a mammogram with the NHS Breast Screening Programme. This service is organised via your GP. For more information contact your GP or local breast screening unit:
