Breast screening in Halton
Breast Screening (Mammography) is an x-ray examination of the breasts and is a method of finding breast cancer at a very early stage.
One in nine women will develop breast cancer at some time in their life. 80% of breast cancers occur in women over 50. The risk of breast cancer rises as women get older. This is why the breast screening programme only targets women in this age group.
Breast Screening can help to find small changes in the breast before there are any other signs or symptoms. Early detection may mean simpler and more succesful treatment.
The NHS Breast Screening Programme is an effective part of the UK's efforts to reduce the death toll from breast cancer. The latest research shows the NHS Breast Screening Programme is now saving 1400 lives every year in England.
Mammograms only require a very low x-ray radiation dose. It is about the same as the dose a person receives by flying from London to Australia and back. The risk that such a low dose could cause a cancer is far outweighed by the benefits of early detection of breast cancer.
If you are over the age of 71 and are no longer routinely invited for screening, you can self-refer by contacting the Breast Screening Unit.
When will screening take place?
All women will receive their first invitation for a mammogram sometime between their 50th and 53rd birthdays. The screening programme invite each GP's registered patients for screening in turn, so women will not necessarily get their invitation in the year that they turn 50. As long as you are registered with a GP, you will receive an invitation before your 53rd birthday. Then you'll be invited every three years until you turn 71. You'll get a letter in the post inviting you.
Screening appointments will be held in Halton at:
- Mobile Unit at Highfield Hospital, Highfield Rd, Widnes. WA8 7DJ.
- Breast Care Centre, Captain Sir Tom Moore Building, Halton Hospital, Earls Way, Runcorn. WA7 2HH.
Warrington, Halton, St Helens & Knowsley Breast Screening Unit:
