Breast Screening FAQ’s from patients

I am 50 why have I not received my appointment?

Once every three years your GP practice will be contacted and all women between the ages of 50 and 70 will be routinely invited. Not every woman will receive an appointment as soon as she is 50. You will receive your first appointment before your 53rd birthday.

I am 71 can I have an appointment?

Yes. The risk of getting breast cancer increases as women get older and we encourage women 71 and over to continue with three yearly screening. All women aged 71 and over, will need to contact the breast screening office on 0161 2914444 to arrange an appointment however, as they will not be invited automatically.

I am disabled, how do I arrange my screening appointment?

Please contact the breast screening office on 0161 2914444 to discuss your screening appointment, as we would like to allocate more time for your appointment. Your appointment will most likely be made at one of our static units (Oldham Integrated Care Centre or Withington Community Hospital) where we have larger rooms and disabled access.

I am under 50 can I have an appointment?

Currently the breast screening programme does not screen women under the age of 50.
If you have a symptom such a lump or nipple discharge, you need to see your GP who should refer you to a symptomatic breast clinic. If you have a family history of breast cancer please see your GP who may refer you to a family history clinic at your local breast unit. The family history clinic will assess your need for extra mammographic screening.

I missed my appointment, how do I get another one?

Please contact the screening unit either by calling 0161 2914444 or at bsapts@mft.nhs.uk and we will arrange a new appointment for you.

There are more FAQ’s on the Manchester Breast Screening website - https://www.breast-screening.uhsm.nhs.uk/FAQs.