Breast Screening

Most women know that they should see their doctor as soon as they notice anything unusual about their breasts. This might be a: 

• lump
• dimple
• puckering
• discharge from the nipple
• anything else that’s new and different or worries you  

However less than half of the over-50s are aware that breast cancer is most common in older women - even though eight in every ten cases occur in their age-group.

Nearly 50% of women invited for breast screening in Southwark don’t go. Every woman aged 50 and 70 registered with a GP in Southwark is routinely sent an invitation to have a free mammogram every three years as part of the national NHS breast screening programme. Find your local breast screening unit at King's College Hospital.

In the great majority of cases their breasts are found to be absolutely normal. But if a cancer is detected, it’s usually very tiny and there’s every chance it will be successfully treated. Breast screening is simple, quick, accurate and free.

Don’t miss out on a free and effective service that could save your life.

Eileen Hewer received an invitation to breast screening shortly after her 50th birthday. She expected everything to be fine, but found she had early stage breast cancer. Following treatment Eileen made a full recovery.

Eileen encourages women to take up the offer of free breast screening “Everyone can find an excuse not to - but it doesn’t take very long. Early screening made all the difference to me and if I hadn’t gone it might have been a different story today. Don’t rely on thinking you will be able to feel a lump.”

If you have questions or concerns you can speak to your GP.

A number of key leaflets are available in many languages from the NHS screening website including a detailed guide to screening and learning how to check your own breasts.