The Benefits of Regular Breast Screening

1. Early Detection Saves Lives
   Breast cancer screening can detect cancers at an early stage, often before symptoms develop. Early diagnosis and treatment significantly improve the survival rate. Each year in the UK, screening helps detect thousands of cases that might otherwise go unnoticed.

2. Identifying Cancer Before Symptoms Appear
   Screening can detect cancers that would never be found through a breast examination alone. Many women diagnosed through screening have cancers that are too small to be felt manually. The screening process can also pick up breast changes that may develop into cancer if left untreated.

3. Reduced Mortality from Breast Cancer
   Studies show that breast screening saves approximately 1,300 lives from breast cancer in the UK each year. For every 100 women screened, a small number will be found to have cancer. Early diagnosis significantly reduces deaths by enabling timely and effective treatment.

4. Regular Screening for Long-Term Protection
   Women are typically screened every 3 years for 20 years, ensuring continued monitoring. If you are invited for breast screening, attending your appointment is crucial for ongoing breast health.

What Happens If You Are Called Back for More Tests?

After a mammogram, some women may be called back for more tests. This doesn’t always mean cancer is present; sometimes, an abnormal mammogram may be due to benign breast tissue changes. If necessary, further tests can determine whether a breast cancer diagnosis is needed.

Women asked to return may undergo additional imaging or a biopsy. Some cases involve ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), a non-invasive cancer that may or may not develop further. Early intervention can prevent serious complications.

What Happens If You Don’t Attend Breast Screening?

Neglecting to attend your breast screening every 3 years increases the risk of breast cancer going undetected. Women who skip screening are at greater risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer at a more advanced stage, limiting treatment options.

Not attending screening means missing the chance to detect breast cancer at the earliest stage. Delaying screening can lead to later diagnoses when treatment is more complex. Missing an appointment can also result in cancers progressing to a stage where they are more difficult to treat.

Understanding the Benefits and Risks of Breast Screening

While breast screening uses advanced imaging techniques, there are risks to consider. Screening may detect cancer that would never cause symptoms or harm, known as overdiagnosis. However, the benefits outweigh the risks. By finding cancers early, screening ensures timely treatment and improved outcomes. The NHS provides additional support for women who need help with accessibility or understanding the process.

The Risks of Skipping Breast Cancer Screening UK – What You Need to Know

Not attending your breast cancer screening UK appointment can delay diagnosis, leading to severe consequences. Learn about the symptoms of breast cancer, the risks of breast screening, and why missing your local breast screening can impact your health.

Breast cancer screening is a crucial part of early detection, and missing your appointment can delay a diagnosis that could save your life. Women are invited to attend breast cancer screening every three years between the ages of 50 and 70. However, some may choose not to attend or feel uncertain about the process. It’s essential to understand the potential risks of skipping this vital procedure and how it could impact your health.

A mammogram is the primary test used during breast cancer screening. It’s a low-dose X-ray that helps detect abnormal changes in the breast tissue, even before symptoms appear. These changes may not always indicate cancer, but they can point to issues that require further investigation. If problems are detected, additional tests, such as another mammogram or ultrasound, may be necessary.

By skipping your breast screening appointment, you could be delaying the detection of breast cancer. Early diagnosis is vital for successful treatment. Cancer grows over time, and the sooner the disease is caught, the better the chances of successful treatment and recovery.

A mammogram is still the most effective way to detect breast cancer before it becomes detectable by other means. It can often detect cancer when it is too small to be felt or seen. However, the mammogram may sometimes miss a cancerous lump, and additional tests may be required for further confirmation. This is why attending regular screenings is essential, even after the age of 70, if invited.

For those who may feel anxious or fearful about breast screening, it’s important to know that the screening service offers support and guidance. If you need assistance, you can contact the breast screening service for help. They will explain what happens during the procedure and ensure you feel comfortable and informed. If you are unable to attend, you will receive a letter inviting you to rebook. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help—your health is the top priority.

Take Control of Your Health Today with NHS Breast Cancer Screening UK at Wandsworth Medical Centre

If you’ve been invited for breast screening, it’s essential to schedule your appointment with your local breast screening service. The NHS Breast Screening Programme plays a vital role in reducing deaths from breast cancer by offering regular mammograms after screening. These tests help pick up breast cancer that would never otherwise have been seen, giving women diagnosed with breast cancer the opportunity to be treated for breast cancer early.

Once you reach the age of 50, you will receive a letter inviting you to attend breast screening every 3 years. If you haven’t received your invitation, you can call your local breast screening service to ask about your eligibility. Women with breast cancer who attend screening are often diagnosed and treated for breast cancer at a much earlier stage, improving survival rates.

After your screening, you will get your results within two weeks. If the mammogram shows any abnormalities, you may be asked to come back for more tests. This doesn’t necessarily mean you have breast cancer, as some breast problems rarely cause cancer. However, early detection of signs of breast cancer is crucial to prevent you from getting breast cancer at a later stage, which may be harder to treat.

For those who need additional support to attend screening or would like to understand what will happen during the process, the NHS provides guidance. Don’t worry if you need help – healthcare professionals are available to explain what will happen during your screening and to support you in attending your appointment.

Remember, if you continue to have breast screening every 3 years, you’re taking a proactive step in finding breast cancers early and receiving treatment sooner. Whether you’re diagnosed with breast cancer or not, attending your screening regularly can help ensure better health outcomes. Don’t wait, book your screening appointment today, and get your results early with the support of Wandsworth Medical Centre. Your health is your priority, and early screening saves lives.