Dr D A Ware · Dr G V Price · Dr J A Crane · Dr G A Preest· Dr O Thomas
This page outlines the Breast Test Wales mammogram screening programme and, further down the page, you will see the Bridgend Breast Unit information leaflet for patients who have been treated for breast cancer.
Breast Screening:
Breast screening in our area is conducted
by an organisation called "Breast Test Wales". Women between tha ages of 50 and
64 are invited by them to attend for an appointment. You must have been given an
appointment before attending. If you have been invited to attend, please
don't miss this free test - it could save your life.
Why you should be screened:
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A mammogram is a good way to detect breast cancer in women over 50. Because of the consistency of breast tissue in younger women, mammograms may not be as useful and are not routinely used to screen women under 50. |
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Screening finds those changes that cannot be seen or felt. |
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Most changes are not cancer |
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Early diagnosis offers the best chance of recovery. |
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The test is done once every three years and is FREE |
A mammogram is:
A low dose of X ray of your breast
How it is done:
A female radiographer takes the x ray. Each breast is
held firmly in position to get a clear picture. The test may be uncomfortable,
but only takes a few minutes.
The above information has been adapted from the Breast
Test Wales posters displayed at The Medical Centre, July 2000.
The Bridgend Breast Unit -
PATIENT INFORMATION SHEET
FOLLOW‑UP ARRANGEMENTS FOR PATIENTS WHO HAVE BEEN TREATED FOR BREAST CANCER
After treatment for breast cancer a small minority of patients will unfortunately suffer from further problems related to their breast cancer. We know that any such problems are more likely to be detected by patients themselves, not by doctors, x‑rays or other tests.
If you do notice any problems, you should report them immediately to your Breast Care Nurse, your Surgeon or your General Practitioner (contact information is given at the bottom of this page). You should NOT wait for your next outpatient clinic visit or mammogram to report any such problems.
These are some of the problems that you should report:
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New lumps, either in your breasts, at the site of your operation, your armpits or in your neck. |
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New aches or pains in bones or joints that you might think are caused by arthritis. |
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Rapid weight loss which is not due to dieting or change in diet or another illness. |
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Feeling generally unwell for more than 2 or 3 weeks without an obvious cause such as the 'flu. |
Mammograms and Outpatient Clinic appointments will be arranged for you as follows:
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A mammogram followed by an outpatient appointment 1 year, 2 years, 3 years and 5 years after your initial treatment. |
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Then, if you are less than 50 years old, a mammogram every 2 years but no outpatient appointment. |
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Then, while you are between 50 and 69 years old, a mammogram every 3 years by the Breast Cancer Screening Programme (this is usually done in a van parked in the car park of a supermarket near your home). |
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Then, if you are 70 years old or over, you can still
have a mammogram every 3 years but you will have to contact the Breast Cancer
Screening Programme yourself to arrange this (their telephone number is given
below). |
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CONTACT INFORMATION: |
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Mrs Rachell Kendall |
Mr R Johnson |
Mr S G Shering |
National Health Service |
We will add to this page, depending on feedback from our patients. We regret that we cannot answer individual or personal questions online.
The information contained on this site is general information which is not in any way intended to replace the specific advice that patients may obtain from their own doctor about individual care.