Breast screening programme

[Ifyourefeelingsinister]

Does anyone know what's happening with this just now? I am in Edinburgh, am nearly 51, and haven't been invited yet. I am assuming services have been delayed because of Covid, but by how much?

I haven't got any particular concerns, just wanting an idea of when I am likely to get my invitation.

I had wondered this too as I had presumed that once I'd turned 50 I'd get an appointment. But according to the NHS Scotland website they do a 3 yearly cycle of appointments. So we might be near 53 before we're called.

Ah, so maybe it's not like the bowel screening thing which you get just after turning 50, which is what I was assuming. Might ask my gp next time I am there.

Yes, I was over 52 when first called and had my second in December at 55, although it may be worth checking you're on the register.

Breast screening still happening, I had mine last week. As said, it's a cycle of testing for each location so not necessarily coinciding with your 50th. I think I was about 51 and a half for my first one so probably completely average.

Just for info, it's a mobile unit that sets up in a car park and then everyone in the area is invited to attend while it's there which is why it's not just a normal appointment fitting in with your birthday. It depends when the van is due to be in the area.

I have mine tomorrow and I'm 50. Like you i presumed it would happen at this time for everyone. But the letter said it comes your area every 3 years so you might not be called until you are almost 53.

Ah, helpful. I saw the breast screening van in Cameron Toll car park last summer, so maybe it won't return for a while. Although as I live in a densely populated area, I would imagine it must frequent that location more than once every 3 years. Thanks everyone, that's useful to know.

And good luck tomorrow, Breathmiller!

@Ifyourefeelingsinister

Ah, helpful. I saw the breast screening van in Cameron Toll car park last summer, so maybe it won't return for a while. Although as I live in a densely populated area, I would imagine it must frequent that location more than once every 3 years. Thanks everyone, that's useful to know.

It might I guess, i live in a very small city so I presume we are just once every 3 years.

It's a strange experience but in my case was not painful or uncomfortable - other than just the general uncomfortableness of getting your boobs out. My advice is is to not bother with a bra at all if you can, wear a couple of layers of top that are easy to remove and make sure at least one isn't see through :)

You get shown to a wee cubical and are told to remove your bra and put one top back on, you then get called through to a screening room where you take your top off.

Oh that's all useful. Thanks WaxOn

I’ve just had a letter calling me up.

It took no time at all and was fine. The woman made me feel so at ease. Just chatting away. The worst part was having to stand outside in the sleet because i was 5 minutes early so I had to wait until one person came out. But really there was nothing to it.

Oh and I wore a vest top so could pull it down, it felt less naked for some reason.

yes, the staff are very good and vest top a good idea - also helpful to know your right from your left from when she is asking you to move one way or the other.. :o

Thanks all, good to know for whenever I do get invited!