Breast Screening
Information for patients
Breast screening is how we check your breasts are healthy.
It is an X-ray that can take pictures of inside your breast.
It is very quick and easy to do.
If you are aged between 50 and 70, you will be sent a letter about breast screening.
This letter is sent to all women your age right across the country.
The letter will tell you about how to make an appointment for your
screening.
If you need help to do this you can call us on this number:
( 0114 271 1920
What is breast screening?
It is good to be screened as we can check your breasts are healthy.
If there is something wrong we can make sure you get the right treatment quickly. Most people feel better after their
screening as they know everything is ok.
This booklet will tell you what happens if you do decide to be screened.
It is best to wear a top you can take off easily.
You should get a map with your appointment letter.
Breast Screening Unit Floor C
Royal Hallamshire Hospital Sheffield
Why should I be screened?
If I decide to go, what
happens next?
On the day of the
appointment
Your appointment will be at the:
3
Easy Read
Can someone come with
me?
What happens when I
arrive?
A relative, friend or carer can come with you for your breast screening.
When you arrive at the Breast Screening reception show the
receptionist your appointment letter.
The receptionist will ask you to sit in the waiting room until it is time for your X-ray.
You will be shown where to wait.
When it is time for your X-ray the radiographer will come to meet you. The Radiographer is the person that
will do your X-ray.
If you have brought someone with you they can also come.
They can stay in the room and help you talk to us when you have your X-ray.
The radiographer will tell you all about what will happen during the X-ray.
If you have any problems or are worried about anything then ask the radiographer to help.
She will be happy to answer any questions you have.
This is the machine that will take the X-rays of your breasts. The
radiographer will explain how it works. It should not hurt, so please don't
worry.
When you are ready, the radiographer will ask you to take off your top and bra in the changing room.
Only the radiographer will see you like this.
She will make sure you feel comfortable.
You will need to stand very close to the machine. The radiographer will help you stand in the right position.
She will press on to your breast and you will have to keep very still for a few
seconds.
It might feel uncomfortable but it is not for long.
The radiographer will then stand behind the glass window to take the picture. You will still be able to see and talk to her.
This does not take long. Just a couple of minutes.
The radiographer will make sure the X-rays have been taken properly. She will tell you when you can get dressed and go home.
Most people do not feel any different. You might find that your breasts are sore for a little while. If this does happen it shouldn't last long.
How will I feel after the
X-ray?
In a couple of weeks time you will be sent a letter about the results of your X-rays.
Most people have healthy breasts and are asked to come back in 3 years time.
A very small number of people are asked to come back to hospital.
This is so the doctor can make more checks to see if you need any
treatment.
Please don't worry if you are asked to come back.
Please let us know if you have any problems with speaking or hearing. If we know about any problems we can arrange some help for when you come for your breast screening.
What if I need help
speaking or hearing?
We can arrange for someone to help if you use British Sign Language or
Makaton.
We can arrange for someone to help you understand what is happening.
There is also a hearing loop system in the department.
If you do not speak English please
bring someone with you who can speak English to help you.
If there is no one who can speak English at home please let us know before you come to the hospital. We can arrange for someone to help you.
Tell us if you have problems standing or moving around. We can make arrangements to help you with your breast screening.
Easy Read
You can contact the Breast Screening Unit if you need to:
• Find out about an appointment time • Change an appointment time
• Find out about transport to and from the hospital
• Find out more information about the X-ray
Can I contact the Breast Screening Unit?
If you want to know more about breast screening you can call us on this
number:
( 0114 271 1920
We will be happy to help.
Easy Read
Who else can I talk to about this?
The Breast Screening Unit is open Monday to Friday
from 8:00am - 5:30pm.
Other useful information:
See ‘Questions to ask’ leaflet.
To get a copy of this leaflet call the Department of Health
Orderline Telephone:
0300 123 1002
. Ask for the EasyRead version of the leaflet called: ‘Questions to ask’.
They might ask for the leaflet number which is 279234/ER.
PD6497-PIL2518
Issue Date: April 2012. Review Date: April 2014.
© Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 2012. Re-use of all or any part of this document is governed by copyright and the “Re-use of Public Sector Information Regulations 2005” SI 2005 No.1515. Information on re-use can be obtained from the Information Governance Department, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals. Email infogov@sth.nhs.uk
This information can be made available on request in alternative formats including Braille, large print, audio, electronically and other languages. For further details email: alternativeformats@sth.nhs.uk
