Overview of NI Breast Screening Programme
The Northern Ireland Breast Screening Programme
The Breast Screening Programme covers the whole of Northern Ireland. It involves staff from GP surgeries, Health Centres and the Breast Screening Units.
How will I get an invite?
The Northern Ireland Breast Screening Programme is a rolling one which calls women from GP practices in turn every 3 years from the age of 50-70. Not every woman will receive an invite as soon as she is 50, but each woman should receive her first invite before the age of 53. If you are registered with a GP and the practice has your correct details, then you will automatically receive an invitation. You don't need to contact anyone but it is important your GP has your correct details.If you are over the age of 70 you can contact the screening office for an appointment.
Results
Your results will be sent to you within 2 weeks, your GP will also get a copy
There are 3 possible results:
Normal/ Routine recall
Your result is normal and you will be automatically invited for screening in 3 years time. If by then you are over 70 you can contact the screening office for an appointment.
Technical recall
This means the mammogram needs to be repeated for technical reasons only.
Assessment
4 in 100 women are called back for a second visit. This is because the result suggests that further tests are needed. This does not necessarily mean there is something wrong - 3 out of 4 women recalled are given normal results following these additional tests.
A video providing further information is available by clicking on the following link:
Cancer Screening Video