There are a lot of rumours about breast cancer and breast screening which are not true. It is not always easy to know what the facts are. Here we look at some common myths and give you the facts…

  • FACT: There are many different symptoms which could be signs of breast cancer. Visit our guide to breast awareness to find out what changes you should look for.

  • FACT: Most breast changes are not cancer, but it is vital that you see your GP straight away if you notice any new changes to your breasts, do not wait until your next screening appointment.

  • FACT: YYou should check your breasts whenever it is convenient and comfortable for you to do so and get to know what looks and feels normal for you and your body.

  • FACT: Breast screening is able to detect cancers in their very early stages, before it is possible for you to see or feel them. If cancers are found early, treatment is likely to be much more successful. By the time you have a symptom, the cancer is likely to be more advanced and more difficult to treat.

  • FACT: We routinely invite women up to their 70th birthday. If you are aged over 70 and still want to be screened, you can call our office on 01482 622300 and request a screening appointment every 3 years

  • FACT: Most women find mammography uncomfortable, but only a few find it painful. The procedure only takes a few minutes, and each breast is only compressed for a matter of seconds. You can stop the examination at any time if you do not wish to continue

  • FACT:The NHS breast screening programme saves around 1,400 lives every year

  • FACT: Cancers found early can often be treated with minor surgery. This means that we can take out the cancer without having to remove the whole breast. Early cancers are also less likely to need chemotherapy treatment.

  • FACT: Most women who are diagnosed with breast cancer do not have a family history of the disease. If there is no history of breast cancer in your family, you should not assume that you will not be at risk. You will still have a 1 in 7 chance of developing breast cancer. Find out more about family history.

  • FACT: Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer for women in the UK. Many people have at least one relative with breast cancer. Having breast cancer in your family does not necessarily mean that you are at an increased risk. Find out more about family history.