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, 9am-4pm).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you are over 53 and have never been invited or it has been more than three years since your last screening appointment, please <\/strong>contact us on 0131 537 7400.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can change your appointment by calling us on 0131 537 7400.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is important to tell us if you are unable to attend your appointment so that it can be offered to someone else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you receive certain income-related benefits or you\u2019re on a low income you may be able to reclaim your travel expenses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Call the NHS inform helpline for free on 0800 22 44 88 (Monday to Friday 9am \u2013 5pm) for more information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Please contact us on 0131 537 7400 if you will not be attending so that we can make the appointment available for someone else. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For a video and step-by-step guide on what to expect, please check out our page on what happens at a screening appointment<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019re not having your mammogram done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s no need to feel embarrassed as your privacy is always respected and all our mammographers are women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n3. Can I change my screening appointment?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
4. Can I claim travel expenses?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
5. Can I choose not to go to my appointment?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
6. What happens at a screening appointment?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
7. What should I wear to my appointment?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
8. Is it painful?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
9. When will I get my results?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n