Breast Health

Breast Screening

The Shropshire Breast Screening Service is part of the National Breast Screening Programme (NHSBSP) and invites around 25,000 local women for screening each year.

Currently, women aged between 50 and 70, who are registered with a GP Practice in Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin, are screened every three years. The aim of breast screening is to detect breast cancer at an earlier stage, often before the woman is aware of any problem. Early detection may mean simpler and more successful treatment.

When you are eligible for breast screening you will be sent an invite letter in the post and asked to contact the Breast Screening Office to arrange an appointment. Appointments are offered on multiple sites across Shropshire to make the service as widely accessible as possible. Screening appointments are offered on the mobile units and at each hospital site (Royal Shrewsbury Hospital and Princess Royal Hospital); you will be asked about your mobility to ensure an appropriate appointment is offered.

Please do your best to attend this appointment or phone again if it is no longer suitable.

The contact details for the Breast Screening Office are:

Breast Symptoms

Look at your breasts and feel each breast and armpit, and up to your collarbone. You may find it easiest to do this in the shower or bath, by running a soapy hand over each breast and up under each armpit.

You can also look at your breasts in the mirror. Look with your arms by your side and also with them raised.

– a change in the size, outline or shape of your breast
– a change in the look or feel of the skin on your breast, such as puckering or dimpling, a rash or redness
– a new lump, swelling, thickening or bumpy area in one breast or armpit that was not there before
– a discharge of fluid from either of your nipples
– any change in nipple position, such as your nipple being pulled in or pointing differently
– a rash (like eczema), crusting, scaly or itchy skin or redness on or around your nipple
– any discomfort or pain in one breast, particularly if it’s a new pain and does not go away (although pain is only a symptom of breast cancer in rare cases)