Frequently asked questions

Can I call and book a breast screening appointment?

• As long as you’re registered with a GP practice in our area and are between the ages of 50 – 71 you will be automatically invited for a mammogram every three years. We will not be able to make you an appointment until your GP practice is invited.
• If you are over the age of 71 or have recently missed an appointment, please call our screening office on 023 9228 3613 or 023 9228 3614, email us on bsu.admin@porthosp.nhs.uk, or use this online contact form. 

I have a symptom / concern regarding my breasts. Can I come for a screening mammogram?

• Screening is a well-woman service. If you have any breast symptoms or concerns, please contact your GP for the next steps.

Can I have a mammogram if I have breast implants?

• You can still have a mammogram, but you will need to sign a consent form at your appointment. Please call our screening office on 023 9228 3613 or 023 9228 3614 or email us on bsu.admin@porthosp.nhs.uk to make us aware if you have breast implants so we can update our records.

I have mobility issues; can I still attend?

• We have the facilities to be able to cater for most women. We have extended clinics at multiple locations to give you more time should you require it. Please contact us on 023 9228 3613 or 023 9228 3614 to discuss the best options for you.

I’m 50 and haven’t received an invitation yet…why?

• Your first invitation can arrive at any time between your 50th and 53rd birthday. It depends on which doctor you are registered with. See the “When will I be invited” page to see an estimate of when we will be screening your doctor’s practice.

I am coming up to 70 years of age, will I still be invited for 3 yearly mammograms?

• Women over the age of 71 are not automatically invited to attend screening, however, they are welcome to contact us and self-refer themselves every 3 years. Please call our screening office on 023 9228 3613 or 023 9228 3614 or email us on bsu.admin@porthosp.nhs.uk to arrange one.

I have previously been treated for breast cancer, does screening still apply to me?            

• Providing it has been over 6 months since your last mammogram. It is an extra and valuable check on your breasts. However, if you are still under breast cancer care and have annual mammograms, then cancel your screening appointment should you receive one.

Can I have a screening mammogram if I have had a bilateral mastectomy?

• Following a mastectomy, there is insufficient breast tissue for a successful diagnosis. However, please contact the screening unit on 023 9228 3613 or 023 9228 3614 or email us on bsu.admin@porthosp.nhs.uk so we can update our records and stop sending you further appointments.

Will it affect my pacemaker?

• Having a mammogram will not affect your pacemaker. However if you are concerned you can call the unit on 023 9228 3613 or 023 9228 3614 to discuss it further.

I am transgender, can I still have breast screening?

• Trans women and non-binary people assigned male at birth who are registered with a GP as female are invited for breast screening.
• Trans women and non-binary people assigned male at birth who are registered with a GP as male are not routinely invited for breast screening but can request screening.
• More information can be found from our information leaflet.
• Or from the NHSBSP government website.

I am pregnant, can I still have breast screening?

• The radiation dose in mammography is regarded as being insufficient to harm the foetus, so you can still have breast screening when invited. However, please inform your mammographer when you attend.

I am breast feeding, can I still have breast screening?

• Mammography is not undertaken until 3 months after lactation stops (unless justified by a Consultant Radiologist)
• If you are breast feeding when invited, please contact us to re-arrange your appointment. You can telephone us on  or 023 9228 3614, email us on bsu.admin@porthosp.nhs.uk or use the contact us form.

What do I wear to my appointment?

• Separates are best as you will be asked to strip down to your waist. Also, avoid using talcum powder, body oils and spray deodorant as this can affect the image.

Can I bring someone / my children with me?

• Space is very limited on the mobile screening unit so we prefer you to come on you own, however if you have a carer then of course they can accompany you. There is more space in our Static Units, and we can happily accommodate a partner/friend to wait in the waiting room for you if you wish.
• We do advise that you not bring children to your appointment if possible as they will not be able to accompany you into the mammography room and we have no facilities for childcare.

Do I need to remove jewellery?

• Depending on the location of the jewellery will determine if it needs to be removed. Some jewellery can cause what is called an artefact on your imaging and may mean that it will need to be repeated on the day or at a later point, to get a good quality image. It is therefore advisable to remove necklaces.

Does it hurt or cause damage?

• Because your breasts are compressed quite tightly for a few seconds during the procedure you might find it uncomfortable. A very small percentage of women do find it painful. If you get sore and tender breasts, particularly when your period is due, you could change your appointment to a different time of the month, or take the sort of painkiller you would normally use for a headache before attending.

How long does it take?

• If your appointment is on our mobile unit, providing the clinic is running to schedule we would hope that it won’t take any longer than 10 minutes.
• Appointments at our static units are generally longer but we would still hope to have you in and out within 15 minutes.

Can I wear a gown?

• Unfortunately, gowns are not provided. We recommend you wear separates so you can use your top as a “cover-up” if needed.

Do I need to let you know if I have had mammograms elsewhere?

• Yes please! There may be some situations where we need to compare your recent imaging with any previous and therefore it is important that if you know where and when it took place, to let us know when you come for your mammogram.

When will I get my results?

• We aim to process all results within 14 days. Please expect to receive your results around 3 weeks after your breast screening appointment.
• You will receive a letter informing you of the result of your mammogram and your GP will also receive a report notifying them of the result.