Can I get breast screening before I am 50?

As you get older your risk of breast cancer increases - over 80% of breast cancers in the UK occur in women over 50. Breast screening is available on the NHS to all women over the age of 50. For more information on the NHS breast screening programme, visit the NHS site.

If you have a confirmed family history of breast cancer that means you may be at higher risk of developing breast cancer, you may be entitled to screening before the age of 50.  These entitlements are decided at a specialist genetics clinic. Get more information on these entitlements. 

It is important to remember that most breast cancers are detected by women who report unusual changes to their doctor, which demonstrates the need to be breast aware. For information, visit our Breast Awareness page.