If you have a question, check the FAQs below. If you still can’t find the answer you’re looking for then please feel free to contact us on 0131 537 7400 (Monday to Friday, 8.30am-4.30pm).
1. Why should I attend my screening appointment?
Four out of five cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in women aged 50 and over. Breast screening can find breast cancer early, before it can be seen or felt. Most people who get breast cancer do not have a family history of the disease. The sooner breast cancer is found, the more likely it is to respond well to treatment.
2. When will I receive my screening invite?
Once every three years your GP practice will be contacted by the Breast Screening Centre and all women between the ages of 50 and 70 will be invited to attend. Not every woman will receive an appointment as soon as she is 50. You will receive your first appointment before your 53rd birthday.
If you are over 53 and have never been invited or it has been more than three years since your last screening appointment, please contact us on 0131 537 7400.
3. Can I change my screening appointment?
You can change your appointment by calling us on 0131 537 7400.
It is important to tell us if you are unable to attend your appointment so that it can be offered to someone else.
4. Can I claim travel expenses?
If you receive certain income-related benefits or you’re on a low income you may be able to reclaim your travel expenses.
Call the NHS inform helpline for free on 0800 22 44 88 (Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm) for more information.
5. Can I choose not to go to my appointment?
It’s your choice if you want to go for breast screening. Routine screening is the best way to spot cancers at an early stage when they are easier to treat.
Please contact us on 0131 537 7400 if you will not be attending so that we can make the appointment available for someone else.
If you do not want another invitation in three years you can complete a form to remove your name from the system. You can change your mind at any time.
6. What happens at a screening appointment?
For a video and step-by-step guide on what to expect, please check out our page on what happens at a screening appointment.
7. What should I wear to my appointment?
If you can, please wear a skirt or trousers as you will be asked to undress from the waist up. You can cover up with your own top when you’re not having your mammogram done.
There’s no need to feel embarrassed as your privacy is always respected and all our mammographers are women.
8. Is it painful?
Having your breasts pressed flat between the plates can be uncomfortable, and some women find it painful. Our female mammographers will make you feel as comfortable as possible and you can say stop at any point if you feel too much discomfort.
9. When will I get my results?
Your screening results will be sent to you in the post within three weeks of your appointment. If your results require further investigation, you will be invited to attend an appointment at the breast assessment clinic.
For more information on screening results, visit NHS Inform
10. I use a wheelchair. Do I need to contact you before my appointment?
If you have limited mobility, use a wheelchair, walking aids or are unable to climb stairs, please contact us before your appointment. You can phone us on 0131 537 7400 or email loth.sesbreastscreening@nhs.scot.
11. I’m over 70, can I still get an appointment?
If you are over 70, you can self-refer for breast screening by contacting us on 0131 537 7400 to make an appointment.
12. Can I go for screening if I have breast implants?
Yes, you can have a mammogram if you’ve got breast implants but please contact us on 0131 537 7400 to let us know before your appointment.
13. I’m a transgender woman, am I eligible for screening?
Yes, if you’re taking hormones, the development of breast tissue means that you may be at risk of developing breast cancer. If you’re not automatically invited, please contact your GP practice or call us directly on 0131 537 7400.
14. Can men get breast cancer?
There are about 29 new male breast cancer cases a year in Scotland. Men should tell their GP if they notice any changes in their breasts.
15. I think I have symptoms, what should I do?
If you have symptoms of breast cancer then please contact your GP practice, don’t wait until your next routine screening appointment.
It’s important that you know the symptoms and check your breasts for changes regularly. Learn more about what to look out for at Breast Cancer Now
