Breast Screening

Our Breast Screening Service provides routine screening for people across Bolton, Bury and Rochdale as part of the NHS Breast Screening Programme. Screening helps detect breast cancers at an early stage, when treatment is more likely to be successful.

We offer screening every three years to women and people assigned female at birth aged 50–70 (up to their 71st birthday). Invitations are sent automatically, so please ensure your GP has your correct details.

If you are a trans man, trans woman or non-binary person, your invitation will depend on the sex recorded with your GP. If you are unsure, you can contact your GP or call our team.

If you have a learning disability or additional needs, please contact the service so we can make adjustments to support you.

People over 70 can self‑refer every three years by calling 01204 390454.

If you have breast symptoms (such as a lump or nipple change), please see your GP urgently, even if you have a screening appointment due.

What to expect at your appointment

Breast screening uses an X‑ray test called a mammogram.
Appointments usually last 15–20 minutes.
The mammogram itself takes just a few minutes for each X‑ray.
Screening is carried out by one or two female mammographers.
You will be asked to undress from the waist up and will be taken into the X‑ray room.

During the mammogram

Each breast is:

Placed on the X‑ray machine.
Gently but firmly compressed with a clear paddle for a few seconds to keep it still.
X‑rayed twice in different views, four images in total.
Compression can feel uncomfortable or occasionally painful, but only for a few seconds. You can ask to pause or stop at any time, and the mammographers will support you throughout.
Afterwards, you can return to the changing area to get dressed.

What to wear & how to prepare

Wear two-piece clothing (top and bottoms), as you'll remove clothing from the waist up.
Head coverings can be worn but may need adjusting if they obstruct the X‑ray.
Avoid talcum powder or spray deodorant on the day, as they affect the images. Roll-on deodorant is fine.

Your results

You will receive your results by post within two weeks. Most results are normal.

Around 1 in 25 people are called back for further assessment.

Being recalled does not necessarily mean cancer. Around 1 in 4 people recalled are diagnosed with breast cancer.

Your GP will also receive your results.

Where we screen

Screening takes place across four local sites so you can attend close to home:

Breast Unit, Royal Bolton Hospital
Bolton One, Moor Lane, Bolton
Radcliffe Primary Care Centre, Bury
Nye Bevan House, Rochdale

Your invitation letter will confirm your appointment location.

Be breast aware

It's important to know what's normal for your breasts and report any changes promptly. Breast size, shape and feel can vary naturally and may change with your menstrual cycle or after menopause.

Know what's normal for you
Look and feel your breasts regularly
Know what changes to look for
Report any changes to your GP without delay
Attend routine screening if you're aged 50–70

Additional support

If you have physical or learning disabilities, or simply feel you may need a little more support, you can have a longer appointment. We can also arrange for you to receive information in a different format or for you to have an interpreter at your appointment.

If there's anything we can do to make your visit easier or more comfortable, please just let us know when you book your appointment.