Breast Cancer Screening

Breast screening is a test for breast cancers that are too small to see or feel.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. About 1,000 women die of breast cancer every year in Scotland.

Breast screening doesn’t prevent cancer, but can detect cancer early and reduce the number of women who die from it.

Women who notice any breast symptoms or changes should make an appointment to see a GP immediately.

Who’ll be screened?

In Scotland, only women between the ages of 50 and 70 are offered breast screening every 3 years.

This is because:

  • the risk of developing breast cancer increases with age
  • the test is most effective in women who’ve reached the menopause

If you’re over the age of 70, you can continue to be screened but you’ll have to contact your local screening centre to make an appointment.