The Humberside Breast Screening Service provides free breast screening for women in Hull, East Yorkshire, North Lincolnshire and North-East Lincolnshire. We are based at Castle Hill Hospital in Cottingham and use mobile screening units to reach community locations throughout our region. Every three years we invite almost 150,000 women from the local area for breast screening, using information from GP practices to make sure that we invite the right women at the right time. Routine breast screening is by invitation only and for women aged 50-70. The screening procedure itself takes around six minutes and a full mammogram appointment usually takes no longer than 30 minutes. Breast screening is able to detect changes in the breasts very early, before they can be felt or seen. This helps us to increase survival rates for women with breast cancer - it’s estimated that the NHS Breast Screening Programme saves the lives of 1,400 women in England every year. If you have concerns about your breasts, please do not wait for your routine screening appointment, please make an appointment to see your GP
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Patient survey
We understand that breast screening can be a difficult experience and we aim to make the process as easy as possible for every woman who attends. If you would like to share your experiences with us, we would love to hear from you. You can email us or complete our patient survey.
Contact HBSS
If you have any queries about the breast screening programme, questions about your appointment or when you will be due for screening, please telephone us on 01482 622300 or email us at Humberside.breastscreening@nhs.net
Breast screening explained
In the UK, 1 in 7 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Breast cancer affects women of all cultures, backgrounds and religions.
Around 50,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK each year, and is the most common form of cancer for women in the UK. Men can get breast cancer too, but this is so rare that we do not need to screen them.
Breast Screening uses an x-ray test called a mammogram to check the breasts for signs of cancer. It can spot cancers that are too small to see or feel.
A visit to a breast screening unit usually takes less than 30 minutes. A mammogram only takes a few minutes and the person taking your mammogram will always be female.
The mammographer will:
- Check your identification details are correct
- Ask about any previous mammograms
- Ask about any previous breast problems or surgery
- Explain how the screening process works and answer any queries you may have
You will need to undress the top half of your body, including your bra. The mammographer will position you so that each breast is placed in turn on the x-ray machine, and gently but firmly compressed with a flat, clear plate.
Typically, each breast will have two images taken, from different angles.
Having a mammogram can be uncomfortable, but the mammographer will try to minimise any discomfort and this will usually pass very quickly.
We have two short videos of the whole screening appointment from start to finish showing what to expect.
The Screening process if you have breast implants
It is important to tell your mammographer that you have implants before you are screened.
A standard mammogram may be less effective if you have breast implants, and it is not a check on your implants. If you have a concern about your implants, you should contact your GP.
The mammographer will perform an extra view to maximise the amount of breast tissue which can be seen.
Support available during your screening appointment
If you have a physical disability
If you have a physical disability, you can usually still be screened. You should contact the screening office when you receive your invitation to make them aware of your requirements and ask their advice.
This is important if your appointment is to attend a mobile unit, and you have difficulty climbing stairs as you may not be able to complete your screening and may have to be reappointed. In this case we would suggest you are appointed to either the Breast Care Unit at Castle Hill Hospital in Cottingham, or the Pink Rose Suite at the Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital in Grimsby. These sites have full disabled access, and we can offer longer appointments.
When you attend for screening, you will be carefully positioned on the x-ray machine, and you will need to hold that position for several seconds. Although at our hospital sites you can be screened seated, if necessary, some upper-body mobility is necessary, and you must be able to support your upper body unaided. The mammographer will be able to advise you at the time of screening and will make any possible adjustments to enable you to have screening.
If a mammogram is not technically possible, you will remain in the screening programme and be invited again in three years’ time, as your mobility may have increased in this time. If your mobility improves before you are invited again you can call the screening office to arrange an appointment.
If you have a learning disability
If you have a learning disability, we have easy read information available which explains the screening pathway. We also have longer appointments available so you would not feel rushed. Please contact our office or ask someone to contact us on your behalf if you need any extra help.
Early detection saves lives
Breast screening lets us see abnormal breast changes at a very early stage.
Most breast changes found by mammography will not be breast cancer. If a cancer is found through breast screening the treatment needed is likely to be less intense.
Results are sent to your home address by post within two to three weeks. Your GP will also be informed of your result.