Breast Screening Forrest Centre

Breast screening is a free service which aims to detect breast cancer at an earlier stage, often before you are aware of any problem. Early detection may mean simpler and more successful treatment. Those registered as female with a GP will be invited for breast screening between the ages of 50 – 71.

Breast screening is every three years and you will receive a letter through the post inviting you when we screen your GP surgery. If you haven’t received an invite by your 53rd birthday, please get in touch. If you are over 70, you will no longer receive an automatic invitation but you can contact us to arrange a screening appointment.

If you notice any changes to your breasts that are not normal for you, please contact your GP urgently.

Further tests may occasionally have to be done to provide more information so you might be asked to come to the Forrest Centre at Northampton General Hospital. All findings will be discussed with you at this visit. In most cases, nothing serious will be found.

If you have a family history of breast cancer, you may be entitled to more regular screening. However we are not able to offer this without an official genetics report. If you are concerned you are at higher risk of breast cancer because of your family history, you should discuss this with your GP. They can advise you further and refer you to a Family History clinic who will assess your risk and arrange extra screening if needed.

If you notice any changes to your breasts that are not normal for you, you should speak to your GP, even if you have had a recent mammogram. If your GP believes you need to be seen, you will be referred to our symptomatic service for further tests. All findings will be discussed with you at the end of this visit.