You can still develop breast cancer between screening tests. This is called interval cancer.
Interval cancers are not common
Interval cancers happen in about 2 in every 1,000 people screened. This is a low rate that compares well internationally.
Interval cancers are unavoidable. They happen in every screening programme.
Types of interval cancers
There are 3 types of interval cancers.
- Cancers that developed between screenings.
- Cancers that were found at the last screen but were thought to be normal.
- Cancers that were there at the last screen but were missed. These cancers are rare.
If you have any questions about the review process or interval cancers, you can:
- contact your screening unit
- email info@breastcheck.ie
- Freephone 1800 83 21 88 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)