Getting diagnosed with breast cancer

Breast screening aims to find breast cancers early, when they have the best chance of being successfully treated. It uses a test called mammography which involves taking x-rays of the breasts.

Finding breast cancer early means that you have the best chance of successful treatment. Be aware of what your breasts or chest are like so you can notice a change that isn't normal for you.

Your GP will ask about your general health and any symptoms you may have. They may also do some general tests and examine your breasts and lymph nodes in your armpit and neck.

You might have a referral to a breast clinic if your GP refers you due to symptoms, or following a positive result from your breast screening mammogram.

You have a number of tests to check for breast cancer. This includes a breast examination, a mammogram, a biopsy and scans.

These tests can help to find out the type of breast cancer you have and look for proteins (receptors) on the surface of breast cancer cells. They can also look at cancer genes - these are called tumour profiling tests.