Who is this page for?
Public and professionals
Eligibility
So you may be invited for the first time, either:
- the year you turn 50 (so you may still be 49 or 50)
- before your 52nd birthday (the year you turn 51)
- before your 53rd birthday (the year you turn 52)
In order to be invited women must ensure that their GP has their correct name and current address on their computer system.
Before your screening
When you receive an invitation to attend for breast screening:
- Read the information leaflet that comes with the invitation. It is called Northern Ireland: Helping you Decide Leaflet and can be found by clicking here If you want more information or advice speak with your GP
- If you have special requirements speak to the breast screening unit
- Plan in advance how you will get to the appointment on the day, including transport, time off work, someone to look after the children or other dependents. If the appointment doesn’t suit you phone the breast screening unit and arrange to attend at a different time
Key resources (leaflets and videos)
This poster encourages women to look out for changes in their breasts.
This leaflet is used to support the Northern Ireland breast screening programme and describes how women should check their breasts regularly for any changes that are new to them.
This leaflet offers a guide to breast screening for people with a learning disability. It explains what breast cancer is, highlights the risks and benefits of breast screening, and describes the process of being screened.It also outlines how to check your breasts in between screening appointments and what to do if you find anything unusual.
This leaflet is used to support the Northern Ireland breast screening programme and help women decide whether to attend breast screening.
This leaflet is used to support the Northern Ireland Breast Screening Programme. It is issued to women who receive a normal result after being recalled for further tests at a breast assessment clinic.
This leaflet is used to support the Northern Ireland breast screening programme and explains the additional tests that may be offered at a breast assessment clinic following a mammogram that has shown a possible abnormality.
This leaflet is for women who were either unable to have or unable to complete breast screening x-rays (mammograms). It provides information on why this might have been what they should do next.
This flyer for women diagnosed with breast cancer between screening appointments. It contains important information about screening results and cancer.
This leaflet outlines the issues that women with breast implants need to be aware of when attending for breast screening.
This leaflet provide breast screening and breast awareness information to women over 70. Although women over 70 are not routinely invited for breast screening, they are encouraged to call the local unit to request breast screening every three years.
Video - breast screening video
The Breast Screening programme has produced a video to show what happens when women attend their appointment for a mammogram.
To view the video click here
Video – breast screening video with British and Irish sign language
The Breast Screening programme has produced a video to show what happens when women attend their appointment for a mammogram.
Video - breast screening video for individuals with learning disabilities
The Clinical Nurse Specialist team at Avon Breast Screening has in collaboration with Biggerhouse film, produced a film by and for women with learning disabilities, to take the fear out of going for breast screening.
This is a breast screening film for women with learning disabilities, showing clearly what happens during the process of having a mammogram. Whilst breast screening is always an individual choice, the film is intended to take the fear out of going for breast screening and encourage women with learning disabilities to come and have the test.
The film can be watched in full, or in short segments, showing different aspects of the screening journey.
To watch the film click here
Data protection - frequently asked questions
Where did you obtain my contact details?
For routine breast screening, your details were obtained from your GP’s list, so it is important that he or she has your correct name, address and date of birth. GP practices are contacted, in turn, every 3 years so you will not necessarily get your invitation in the year that you turn 50. As long as you are registered with your GP, you will be invited for breast screening by your 53rd birthday.
For women with a very high risk of breast cancer, your details were shared with the Very High Risk Breast Screening Unit at Antrim Hospital by your referring Health Professional.
How is my screening information used?
Screening records are regularly reviewed in order to monitor and improve the quality of the programme and to increase the expertise of specialist staff. This is an important part of any screening programme. Staff working for the Northern Ireland breast screening programme may see and review your records. If you need any further information on how your records are kept and shared, you can contact the Public Health Agency, Young Person and Adult Screening Team on 0300 555 0114.