Getting your breast screening results
You’ll usually get your results within 2 weeks of your breast screening appointment. They will be sent to you by letter.
Your results will also be sent to the GP you’re registered with.
Sometimes you may need to have another mammogram to get a clearer picture of your breasts before you get your results.
Try not to worry if it takes longer to get your results. It does not mean anything is wrong, and most people will have a normal result.
You can call the breast screening service to see if they have any updates.
What the results of your breast screening mean
No sign of breast cancer
Your breast screening result letter may say that your mammogram shows no sign of breast cancer.
You will not need any further tests and will be invited for screening again in 3 years, if you’re aged under 71.
Most people who have breast screening have no sign of cancer.
Even if your breast screening shows no sign of breast cancer, it's important to check your breasts between mammograms and see a GP if you notice any changes.
Further tests needed
Your results may say you need to have further tests. You’ll be given an appointment for these.
Tests can include:
- an examination of your breast
- more mammograms
- ultrasound scans of your breast
- taking a small sample (biopsy) from your breast using a needle
You may feel anxious about having further tests and what this means. Your letter will tell you how to contact a breast care nurse if you have any questions or would like to discuss the process.
Most people who need further tests will not be diagnosed with breast cancer.
But if there are signs of breast cancer, finding it early may mean it’s easier to treat, and it's less likely you'll need to have a breast removed (mastectomy).
Macmillan Cancer Support has a free helpline that's open every day from 8am to 8pm.
They're there to listen if you have anything you want to talk about.
Call: 0808 808 0000