Breast Screening

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among women in Northern Ireland – 1 in 12 will develop breast cancer before the age of 75. Breast cancer can occur at any age.

However, the risk of developing it increases with age, with most breast cancers occurring in women over 50. If it is found early, there is a good chance of successful recovery.

For more information view the leaflet Breast Awareness: Looking out for changes (PDF 223KB)

Every 3 years, women aged 50 to 70 in Northern Ireland are invited for breast screening. This involves a special x-ray known as a mammogram.

For more information view the leaflet Breast Screening can save lives (PDF160KB)

Women over 70 are not automatically invited for screening but are encouraged to make their own appointment by contacting their local screening centre. Contact details can be found below.

About 1 in every 20 women needs to return for further tests after a mammogram (breast x-ray). This does not necessarily mean that there is anything wrong – 4 out of 5 women recalled are given normal results following these tests.

More information on what to expect if you are called back for a second visit can be found in the leaflet Why have I been called back? (PDF 187KB).  

If tests show no abnormality then you will be given the leaflet, Breast screening: satisfactory test results – what now? (PDF 309KB)

A standard mammogram may be less effective if a woman has a breast implant, and therefore women are advised to attend their local screening centre rather than a mobile unit. Breast screening: what if I have breast implants? (PDF 198KB)

(Also covering South Eastern HSC Trust)
The Screening Centre
12-22 Linenhall Street, Belfast BT2 8BS

Tel: 028 9033 3700

Northern Area Breast Screening and Assessment Unit
Level A, Antrim Area Hospital
45 Bush Road, Antrim BT41 2RL

Tel: 028 9442 4425

The Breast Screening Unit
Lurgan Hospital
Sloan Street, Lurgan BT66 8NX

Tel: 028 3834 7083

The Breast Screening Unit
Ground Floor, The Nurses’ Home
Altnagelvin Area Hospital
Glenshane Road, Londonderry BT47 6SB

Tel: 028 7161 1443