What the service does
How to access the service
Location of service
Useful links
What the service does
The regional Breast Screening Programme offers breast screening every three years to women aged between 50 and 70. Breast screening is for women who have no clear signs or symptoms of breast cancer.
At your breast screening appointment, we take a mammogram (x-ray) of your breast and check it for signs of cancer. You should get your screening result within two or three weeks. The earlier we detect breast cancer, the better your chances of successful treatment.
You can view our current breast screening timetable here.
You should contact the breast screening unit on your appointment letter if:
- your appointment time is unsuitable – we can reschedule
- your appointment location is unsuitable – we can reschedule
- you have had a mammogram in the past six months
- you have breast implants
- you have a disability, difficulty with stairs or are a wheelchair user – we will allocate a longer time slot
- you need an interpreter
- you are currently being treated for breast cancer and/or having annual mammograms
You should also remember to check your breasts regularly for any changes as cancer can develop at any time between screening appointments.
How to access the service
The regional Breast Screening Programme invites all women aged between 50 and 70 and registered with a GP in Northern Ireland for breast screening every three years.
All women will receive their first invitation by their 53rd birthday. Your invitation will arrive approximately three weeks before your appointment date.
Women over the age of 70 are not automatically invited for screening. However, they are encouraged to contact their breast screening unit every three years to make an appointment.
Location of service and contact details
Breast Screening Unit
12–22 Linenhall Street
Belfast
BT2 8BS
Tel: 028 9033 3700
Email: BreastScreeningLHST@belfasttrust.hscni.net
Mobile screening units
There is also a mobile unit. The location of this unit varies at different times to enable us to provide Breast Screening in the following areas
- Bangor
- Downpatrick
- Lisburn
- Newcastle
- Newtownards
You can read more about mobile breast screening units here.
Useful links
- NI Direct information on breast cancer
- NI Direct information on the Breast Screening Programme
- NI Direct information on breast screening appointments and results
- NI Direct information on breast screening locations
- NI Direct information on checking your breasts for changes
- NI Cancer Screening Programmes
- Video for women with learning disabilities
- Screening information for transgender, non-binary and gender fluid service users | HSC Public Health Agency (hscni.net)