Early detection and screening

The earlier a breast cancer is diagnosed and treated, the better the chance of successful treatment. By checking your breasts regularly for lumps and other changes, you can improve your chances of finding breast cancer at an early, curable stage. Women in the UK at higher risk of developing breast cancer because of their age or family history are eligible for regular breast screening as part of a national screening programme.

Breast self-awareness

It's important to become familiar with how your breasts normally feel at different times of the month. You’ll then be able to pick up any changes in your breasts that aren’t normal for you. If you are concerned about anything unusual in your breasts, you can make an appointment with your GP.

Our cancer support specialists|  can give you information about breast awareness, or you can contact Breast Cancer Care| .

UK National Breast Screening Programme

In the UK, all women between the ages of 50 and 70 (64 in Northern Ireland) are offered mammograms (breast x-rays) every three years, as part of a national breast screening programme| . Women over the age of 70 can ask to continue with three-yearly mammograms.   

Women may be eligible for regular screening at a younger age if they are at higher risk of developing breast cancer because of their family history. If you have a close relative with breast cancer, you can discuss with your GP whether you should have regular screening before the age of 50| .