BreastCheck Questions / Answers (1)
Q1. Why Screen for Breast Cancer?
At present the best way to reduce the number of deaths from breast cancer is to find it at an early stage, preferably before it can be felt. (questions)
Q2. Why am I Being Invited?
Breast cancer cannot be prevented so the aim is to detect it as early as
possible. Early detection of breast cancer and appropriate treatment gives
the best outcome. All women aged 50 to 64 years known to BreastCheck will be
invited to attend for a mammogram in the targeted area on a two yearly basis.
(questions)
Q3. What is a Mammogram?
It is a low dose x-ray used to take pictures of the breast. Each breast is x-rayed from the side and from the top by a professionally trained radiographer. Screening mammograms are performed on a routine basis on women to detect breast cancer at an early stage, before it can be felt by a woman or her doctor. (questions)
Q4. Will it Hurt?
Maybe, but only for a very short time while each breast is held firmly in position as the x-ray is taken, just enough so the breast tissue can be seen on the mammogram. Pressing your breasts for a few seconds is not harmful and minimises the x-ray dose. (questions)
Q5. How Safe is a Mammogram?
Since it uses very low-dose radiation, it is thought to be quite safe. The benefit of being screened outweighs any risk from the x-ray. (questions)
Q6. Where is the Screening Done?
Depending on where you live, it will be carried out at the screening unit
or mobile unit nearest your home.
Q7. Can I Walk Into a BreastCheck Unit and Request a Mammogram?
BreastCheck operates on an appointment basis. It is not a drop in service.
My company would like to organise breast screening for our employees. Can we have a BreastCheck mobile unit visit our workplace?
BreastCheck mobile units are situated in a specific location when BreastCheck is screening in that area. BreastCheck mobile units do not visit workplaces. However the BreastCheck Screening Promotion team regularly visit workplaces to promote the BreastCheck Programme. If you would like to arrange a visit to your workplace please email screening.promotion@cancerscreening.ie. (questions)
Q8. How Long Will This Take?
It usually takes about half an hour. (questions)
Q9. What Clothes do I Need to Wear?
Since you will have to undress your upper body, it is a good idea to wear a skirt or trousers and a top. (questions)
Q10. Will I be Seen by Female Screening Staff?
Currently all radiographers are female. (questions)
Q11. When Will I Get My Results?
You will get your results within three weeks of having the test done. It will be sent to your home address. Your doctor will receive a copy of your result. (questions)
Q12. What Sort of Results Might I Expect?
The most likely result is ‘normal’ in which case you will be invited to attend for a routine repeat mammogram in two years.
However, some mammograms need to be looked at again to get a clearer image or because some part of the breast needs closer examination. Should this happen you will be asked to attend an Assessment Clinic. In the vast majority of cases these further examinations are
normal. (questions)
Q13. What if I Had Breast Cancer in the Past - Do I Go For Screening?
Yes - unless you are having mammography as part of your follow-up. (questions)
Q14. What if I Had a Mammogram Within the Last Year?
Contact the programme at 1800 45 45 55 and we will advise you. BreastCheck does not screen women twice within a 12-month period. Therefore, if you have been screened in the last 12 months, you should wait until 12 months have passed since the last mammogram and then contact the programme.
Q15. What if I Have Had Breast Implants or Breast Reduction in the Past?
You are still advise for your routine screening mammogram. Please advise us in advance if you have had breast implants so that additional time can be provided for the screening appointment. (questions)
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