About your NHS South Essex screening appointment

• I am in perfect health and feel that I am tempting fate if I go for a breast screening (if it's not broken don't fix it!).
  Why should I go?
  

  This is not an uncommon reaction. Screening is a preventative measure offered to women who are not displaying symptoms. This can cause anxiety in some women because they are faced with the prospect that there might be something wrong.

  Breast screening is the most effective way to detect cancers when they are too small to detect otherwise. Women who regularly attend screening reduce their risk of dying of breast cancer because most cancers are found at an early stage when there is a good chance of recovery. It is better to fix it before it is broken!

• I have been told that the risks of being exposed to radiation outweigh the benefits of having a breast screening. Is this true?

  An x-ray takes 5 minutes and involves a tiny dose of radiation, so the health risks are very small. Breast screening saves an estimated 1,400 lives each year, so the benefits outweigh the risks.

• I feel uncomfortable with the idea of undressing in front of male staff

  Don’t worry, the service is run by women, for women. The NHS South Essex 2009 patient satisfaction survey revealed 99% satisfaction with privacy during screening and service users find staff welcoming and approachable.

• I have silicone implants. Will this affect my screening?

  We cannot screen you at the mobile unit as the silicone prevents the x- ray from identifying changes. We can accommodate you at the breast unit at Southend Hospital, where we can take special measures to obtain better pictures.

General

• How should I check my breasts? I was advised that using my fingertips would be too sensitive and to use the palm of my hand instead.
  

  The professional advice is to apply pressure keeping the hand flat using the pads of 3 fingers; feel the whole breast, including the nipple and the armpit. You may prefer to do this with a soapy hand when washing.

• My mother and my auntie have both had breast cancer. Does this mean that I am at greater risk of developing breast cancer?
  

  Consult your doctor and appropriate advice will be given. There is a Family History Clinic at Southend Hospital and your GP will refer you if appropriate.

• We hear of younger women having breast cancer. Why does the breast screening programme start at 50 years of age?
  

  Although it is not unusual for younger women to have breast cancer the risk increases with age. The breast tissue in younger women is denser and a mammogram may not detect problems. If you notice any changes in your breasts, report the changes to your GP…. you are not wasting anybody's time.
  

• I was told that I reduce my risk of getting breast cancer if I breast feed my baby. It this true?
  

  It is true that if you breast-feed your baby for a substantial length of time you will reduce your risk of getting breast cancer. For further information contact Rachel Clark, Community Development Worker on 01268 464543.