Breast screening is carried out by using x-rays called mammograms to detect cancers at a time when they are too small to be seen or felt.

All women between 50 and 70 years are invited every three years to attend for breast screening. Since the breast screening service rotates every three years, patients will that the first invitation will fall between a patient's 49th and 53rd birthday. In 2013, the service was extended to all women who fall within the screening groups of 47 to 73 and 71 to 73 years. 

As a result of the phasing-in, only one of the new screening age groups will be invited along with all eligible 50-70 year-olds. Once they have reached the upper age group they are encouraged to continue with routine three-yearly screening by ringing the breast screening service for an appointment.

There are some risks with breast screening and more information can be found by clicking the Breast Screening How to Decide link on this page