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Your results

You will get a letter with your results within 3 weeks of your mammogram. Your GP will also get your results.

2 consultant radiologists (breast x-ray specialists) will look at your mammogram. They will check for any sign of cancer.

They look for any abnormal signs like:

  • lumps
  • something on 1 breast that's not on the other breast (asymmetries)
  • groups of small spots on the breast x-ray (microcalcifications)

A radiologist cannot normally tell if it's cancer based on a mammogram alone. This is because both cancerous and non-cancerous growths can look the same.

A mammogram is the first in a series of tests that may help to diagnose cancer.

There are 2 types of results you can get: a normal result, or an invitation for further assessment.

Contact your local screening service if you have any questions about your results. Contact details will also be in your invitation letter.

Normal result

If your results are normal, you’ll be invited to another screening in 2 years.

You should continue to check your breasts and be aware of any changes during this time.

See a GP right away if you've any symptoms between screening appointments. Do not wait for your next breast screen.

Symptoms of breast cancer

Further assessment

About 1 in 25 results show that more tests are needed.

If you're called for more tests, you may have:

  • another mammogram
  • an ultrasound
  • a breast examination

You may also have a biopsy. This is where we take a sample of cells from your breast and check it under a microscope.

Most of these tests reveal no cancer.

Results of further assessment

Most results are normal after further testing. 

If your results are normal you’ll be invited to another screening in 2 years.

If you had a biopsy, your nurse or surgeon will arrange a follow-up appointment. This is usually a week later.

If cancer is found, we'll invite you back to the BreastCheck clinic. You'll meet with your breast care nurse and your consultant surgeon. They'll discuss your treatment options with you.

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Treatment

The main treatments for breast cancer are:

  • surgery
  • radiotherapy
  • chemotherapy
  • hormone therapy
  • biological therapy or immunotherapy (targeted therapy)

If needed, you may have 1 of these treatments or a combination of treatments. This depends on how the cancer was diagnosed and what stage it's at.

Breast cancer treatment

More information

Find cancer information and support at:

Page last reviewed: 3 November 2022
Next review due: 3 November 2025