Breast Care Unit

We aim to find signs of breast cancer early through the unit’s breast screening and symptomatic care clinics, which are available to both women and men upon referral from a GP.

Breast cancer is often thought of as something that only affects women, but men can get it in rare cases. If you are worried about  breast cancer symptoms, please make an appointment to see your GP as soon as possible. If detected early there’s a good chance of recovery.

If necessary, your GP will refer you to the unit for more tests. This may include X-ray, ultrasound or biopsy tests.

Breast screening programme 

The national breast screening programme calls women for mammography between the ages of 50 and 71 every three years.  Women will receive an invitation to attend screening as long as they are registered with a GP.

Screening invitations

Eligible women, aged from 50 to their 71st birthday, will receive an invitation letter explaining the programme and the benefits and risks of breast screening.

Women do not always receive an invitation when they turn 50. They can expect their invitation within three years of their 50th birthday.

Screening units do not offer drop-in screening; breast screening for women aged 50 to 70 is by appointment only. Invitations for screening are sent automatically to women up until their 71st birthday. Women aged 71 or over can contact their breast screening unit to make an appointment every three years.