These screenings can detect the disease “before” symptoms appear.
Brits over a certain age have been urged to come forward for a vital cancer screening appointment. Women aged 50 and over are invited for a breast cancer check every three years.
The NHS explained that this could detect the disease “before” you notice any symptoms. Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in the UK, with around 56,900 new diagnoses made every year, according to Cancer Research UK.
It is also the fourth most common cause of cancer death, accounting for around 11,200 fatalities annually. Although it is not common in men, it is still possible for them to develop the disease, with around 390 men diagnosed every year.
In a post made to social media platform X, the NHS said: “Regular breast screening can find breast cancer before you feel it or notice any symptoms. If you are a woman, aged 50 or over, you’ll be invited for breast screening every three years, until your 71st birthday.
“Early detection and better treatments have led to improved recovery and survival from breast cancer. If you think you should have breast screening, but you are not invited automatically by the time you are 53, contact your local breast screening service.”
NHS breast screening uses X-rays, called mammograms, to look for cancers that are “too small” to see or feel. On the NHS website, it advises that if you are 71 or over, you will not automatically be invited for breast screening.
However, you can still have breast screening every three years if you want to. You will need to call your local breast screening service to ask for an appointment.
If you’re a trans man, trans woman or are non-binary, how you are invited will depend on the sex you are registered with at a GP. If you’re registered as female with a GP you will automatically be invited for breast screening.
If you’re registered as male with a GP you will not automatically be invited for breast screening.
Symptoms
The NHS warns that you must see a GP if you have any symptoms of breast cancer. This is the case even if you have recently had a clear breast screening.
“Do not wait for your next breast screening appointment,” the health body said.
Symptoms of breast cancer in women may include:
- A lump, or swelling in your breast, chest or armpit
- A change in the skin of your breast, such as dimpling (may look like orange peel) or redness (may be harder to see on black or brown skin)
- A change in size or shape of one or both breasts
- Nipple discharge (if you are not pregnant or breastfeeding), which may have blood in it
- A change in the shape or look of your nipple, such as it turning inwards (inverted nipple) or a rash on it (may look like eczema)
- Pain in your breast or armpit which does not go away – breast pain that comes and goes is usually not a symptom of breast cancer
If the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, it can also cause:
- Feeling tired or having no energy
- Loss of appetite or losing weight without trying to
- Feeling unwell with no clear cause
- Feeling or being sick
- Difficulty sleeping
Symptoms of breast cancer in men may include:
- A lump or swelling in your chest or armpit
- Liquid leaking from your nipples (nipple discharge), which may have blood in it
- Changes in the size or shape of either side of your chest
- Sores or ulcers on your chest
- A change in the shape or look of your nipple, such as it turning inwards (inverted nipple) or a rash on it (may look like eczema)
The NHS added: “It’s important to check your breasts regularly so you know what’s normal for you. This makes it easier to notice any changes in the size, look or feel of your breasts.”