Breast screening

Mammogram (Breast screening) is the name for a specialised x-ray of the breast which shows small details of the breast tissue that cannot be seen in any other way. Mammograms are carried out by Mammographers (female Radiographers or Assistant Practitioners that have been specially trained to perform this examination). Breast screening can also be described as breast imaging.

Who is invited and when?

All women will be automatically sent your first invite letter in the post for your breast screening, between the ages of 50 and 53 - if you are registered at a GP surgery.

You’ll then get an invitation every three years between the ages of 50 and 71. After your 71st birthday you are able to self-refer, to continue having your breast screening every 36 months.

Get in touch

Call Medical Imaging on
01226 432550

Call about breast screening appointments on
01226 432100

How to book your appointment

If you have received a letter asking you to book your breast screening appointment, please call the breast screening team on 01226 432100.

If you have missed your appointment or need to change the time of your appointment, please contact the team using the same number.

What happens at your breast screening appointment

During your breast screening you’ll have 4 breast X-rays (mammograms), 2 for each breast.

The mammograms are done by a specialist called a mammographer. The mammographer will be female.

Each mammogram will only take a few minutes. Your appointment should only last approximately 20 minutes.

Watch this short video, which demonstrates what you can expect when attending a mammogram appointment.

Unless you have been told otherwise, your appointment will take place at our new Community Diagnostic Centre. This is a state-of-the-art facility in The Glass Works shopping centre in Barnsley town centre. For further information about this facility and how to find it please see our Community Diagnostic Centre page.

Please visit NHS.uk for further information about breast screening.

If you have any concerns about your breast screening appointment, please get in touch with our dedicated team who can answer any questions by calling 01226 432 100.