The history of breast cancer
Campaign's 2,000-year chronological snapshot of the key developments on the path to finding a cure.
How breast aware are you?
Take Campaign's quiz and find out.Breast screening
Breast screening is a method of detecting breast cancer at a very early stage when it will be most responsive to treatment. These small changes in the breast may be too small to be felt either by the woman or by her doctor. A mammogram, which is a special x-ray that uses very low doses of radiation, is used to visualise the internal structures of the breast.
The NHS Breast Screening Programme was set up in 1988; it provides free breast screening every three years for all women in the UK. Once women reach the upper age limit for routine invitations for breast screening, they can still attend but need to request an appointment. The earlier that breast cancer can be identified, the better chance of a successful treatment and increased survival.
Breast screening in England
Breast screening in Wales
Breast screening in Scotland
Breast screening in Northern Ireland
Breast Screening in the Republic of Ireland
Breast screening after the upper age limit has been reached
Breast screening for younger women
Breast screening in England
Women between the ages of 50 and 70 are called for screening every three years. Recently the Government announced an extension to the screening age so that by 2012 women between the ages of 47 to 73 will also be eligible for breast screening. For more information visit the NHS Breast Screening Programme website.
Breast screening in Wales
Women aged 50 to 70 are eligible for breast screening once every three years. Each woman receives her first invitation before the age of 53. For more information visit Breast Test Wales website.
Breast screening in Scotland
The Scottish Breast Screening Programme currently screens all women between the ages of 50 to 70 every three years. For more information visit the Scottish Breast Screening Programme website.
Breast screening in Northern Ireland
All women aged 50 to 64 are invited to have their breasts screened every three years. Women aged 65 or over can make an appointment through their local screening centre. For more information visit the NI Cancer Screening programmes website.
It has recently been announced that the Northern Ireland breast screening programme will be extended to include women aged 50 to 70 by March 2012.
Breast Screening in the Republic of Ireland
BreastCheck, The National Breast Screening Programme, invites women aged 50-64 on a two yearly cycle for their free mammogram. For more information visit BreastCheck website.
After the upper age limit has been reached
The biggest single risk factor for breast cancer is age. So although the breast screening programme has an upper age limit, it is still important to continue to get regularly checked. Free breast screening is available by making an appointment. This can be done through the local GP or local breast screening unit.
Breast screening for younger women
Women who are of pre-menopausal age are not invited for routine breast screening. Mammograms are not as effective at detecting any changes in pre-menopausal women because their breast tissue is denser. Age is also the most significant risk factor and the incidence of breast cancer is lower in younger women.
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