My Appointment

What will happen when I get there?

A visit to a screening unit for breast screening takes about half an hour. When you arrive at the screening unit you will be greeted by a femal receptionist or mammography practitioner who will check your personal details (name, age and address)

When the staff are ready, a female mammography practitioner will take you for your mammogram. She will confirm your identification and talk to you about your medical history and any current probelms you may be having with your breasts. She will explain what will happen when the mammograms are taken, and answers any questions about breast screening. If you are happy to proceed, the mammography practitioner will ask you to undress down to the waist and she will then take the mammogram.

The Mammogram

The mammogram is a low dose x-ray. Each breast is placed in turn on the x-ray machine and gently but firmly compressed with a clear plate. 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. Some women find compression slightly uncomfortable and some feel short-lived pain. Research has shown that for most women it is less painful than having a blood test and compares with having blood pressure measured.

Once finished the mammography practitioner will explain about how and when you will receive your results and you are then free to leave the unit.