About breast cancer screening in Calderdale

Breast cancer is one of the most talked-about cancers. We’ve all heard of it. And most of us know someone who has been affected. It’s also the most common cancer in women. Around 55,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year. So, the older we get, the risk of breast cancer increases.

Still, the good news is, from the age of 50 you’ll be invited to have your breasts screened using a mammogram. The mammogram can spot cancers when they are too small to see or feel. It means we can catch them early!

Like all cancers, the earlier a cancerous growth is found, the better the chances of surviving. It also means less likelihood of needing a breast removed (mastectomy) or chemotherapy.

Overall, the breast screening programme finds cancer in around 9 out of every 1,000 women. Breast cancer survival is improving and has doubled in the past 40 years. If caught at the earliest stage (Stage 1) around 98% of women will survive their cancer for 5 years or more after their diagnosis.

Overall, 76% survive breast cancer for 10 or more years.

When invited for a breast screening you will have two x-rays taken of each breast – this is called a mammogram. The appointment is likely to be 30 minutes, although the screening itself only takes a few minutes. You will stand in front of a special x-ray machine.

You are not alone when it comes to getting your mammogram. If you’ve never had one before, or it was a while ago and you just want a refresher, West Yorkshire and Harrogate Cancer Alliance have got some handy tips to think about to make the process as easy as possible!

Find out more, including common questions, myths, and fears by visiting their website here.

This video explains how the Breast Cancer Screening Programme works in Calderdale