Breast screening helps find cancer at an early stage. If it’s found early, it’s easier to treat and there’s a better chance of recovery.
Breast screening involves having a mammogram. A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast used to find breast cancer when it is too small to see or feel.
Most results are normal and no cancer is found.
Breast screening does not find all breast cancer. But screening has been proven to lower the number of women dying from breast cancer.
When you should get screened
As the risk of breast cancer increases as you get older, all women between the ages of 50 and 69 are invited to take a mammogram every 2 years.
We will invite you for breast screening once you turn 50. When you get the letter depends on when screening is available in your area.
Your details should automatically go on our register. But, if you haven’t been sent a letter, check your name is on the register or call Freephone on 1800 45 45 55.
Read more about breast screening (BreastCheck)
Important
Always see a GP right away if you have any symptoms of breast cancer
Content supplied by the NHS and adapted for Ireland by the HSE
