Breast screening is a vital health service aimed at detecting breast cancer at an early stage, often before symptoms appear.
Early detection through screening can significantly increase the chances of successful treatment and recovery.
The process involves a simple x-ray test called a mammogram, which is used to look for any signs of cancer that may not be apparent on examination.
You need to be registered with a GP surgery to be invited for breast screening.
Information for the East Berkshire services are below with the screening provided by Frimley Health.
North East Hampshire and Surrey services are provided through the Jarvis Breast Centre
If these services don't cover the area where your GP surgery is, you can find full information on breast screening services on the NHS website.
More information
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King Edward VII Hospital and The Parapet
Address:
St Leonards Road
Windsor
SL4 3DPThe Parapet is accessed around the outside of the buildings on the exit road from the car park.
Mobile screening sites are usually at:
Bracknell Leisure centre, in the car park, near the car wash.
Chippenham Community Centre, in the car park.
St Mark's Hospital, in the overflow car opposite the Adult Rehabilitation Centre
Anyone registered with a GP as female will be invited for NHS breast screening every three years between the ages of 50 and 71. You should receive your first invitation between the ages of 50 and 53. You will get a letter in the post followed by a reminder text message.
If you are a trans man, trans woman or are non-binary you may be invited automatically, or you may need to talk to your GP surgery or contact us to ask for an appointment.
During breast screening you will have four breast x-rays (mammograms), two for each breast. The mammograms are performed by a specialist called a mammographer. The mammographer will be female.
It is a quick and straightforward procedure, typically taking about 20 minutes.
Before starting, the mammographer will check your details with you and ask if you have had any breast problems, and explain what will happen during the screening. You can ask the mammographer about any questions or concerns you may have.
You will be called into the x-ray room and the mammographer will explain what will happen. You will need to undress, so you are naked from the waist up.
The mammographer will place your breast onto the x-ray machine. It will be compressed between two pieces of plastic to keep it still while the x-rays are taken. This takes a few seconds, and you need to stay still. The x-ray machine will then be tilted to one side and the process will be repeated on the side of your breast.
Your other breast will be x-rayed in the same way.
All equipment is cleaned in between every patient.
After you have left a trained radiologist will then examine the images to identify if there are any abnormalities.