NHS breast screening in the UK: who is invited for a mammogram, and how often

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, and the earlier it is found the better the chance of successful treatment. To catch tumours early, the NHS invites women for a free screening — a mammogram. Here is who is invited and when, in England.

What is a mammogram?

A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast. It can reveal tumours too small to feel or notice. It is done at a clinic or a mobile screening unit, and carried out by a female mammographer (a specialist in these images).

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Who is invited, and how often?

Women are invited from age 50 up to their 71st birthday, every three years. The first invitation arrives between the ages of 50 and 53, so do not worry if there is no letter exactly on your 50th birthday — you will be called within that window. Invitations come automatically to those registered through their GP surgery.

Why a three-year gap?

Screens are three years apart: enough to track changes in good time, without unnecessary tests. If between screens you notice a lump, a change in shape or skin, discharge or other worrying signs, do not wait for the next letter — see a doctor straight away.

What if you are over 71?

After 71 invitations stop coming automatically, but you can still be screened — still every three years. You need to contact your local breast screening unit yourself, or ask your GP surgery how to book. Many people do not know this and stop checking unnecessarily — the right to screening remains.

What is the AgeX trial?

Some women may be invited for one extra screen under the AgeX research trial. It is testing the value of an extra screen for women aged 47–49 (younger than usual) and 71–73 (older than usual). If you are invited as part of this trial, taking part is voluntary.

What is the procedure like?

At the appointment each breast in turn is placed on a flat plate and briefly pressed from above by a second plate to get a clear image. The compression lasts a few seconds and many find it uncomfortable or mildly painful, but it passes quickly. The whole visit takes about twenty minutes, of which the imaging is only a small part. Specialists then review the images and send the result by letter; if a closer look is needed you are invited back — which does not necessarily mean cancer, and most often all is well.

Should you go?

Screening is free and takes little time, and it finds disease at a stage when treatment is easier and more successful. A mammogram alone cannot guarantee there is no cancer, but regular checks markedly improve the chance of catching it early. If an invitation arrives, the sensible thing is to book and attend.