About breast screening - Your breast screening assessment appointment
About four in every 100 women are asked to come back for more tests after screening. This is because more information is needed before we can give a result
Most of the changes which show up on a breast x-ray are not cancer and most women we call back do not have breast cancer. Sometimes we need to carry out some further tests to check whether the changes shown on your x-ray are harmless or not.
You may be offered some or all of the following tests:
Further breast x-rays – A radiographer will take more x-rays of your breast and will answer any questions you have.
Breast examination – Most women we call back are offered a breast examination by a specialist. The examination and the further mammograms will often show that any changes are harmless. You will then be reassured and advised by the specialist if further follow-up is needed.
Ultrasound scan – A trained specialist will put some gel onto your breast and move a plastic probe over the surface to create an ultrasound image of the breast tissue.
Biopsy – A trained specialist will take a small sample of tissue from your breast and sometimes the armpit using a special needle, usually done using a local anaesthetic.
Depending on what tests are needed, you may be in the assessment clinic for most of the morning or afternoon.
Most women find it easier if they wear a top, with a skirt or trousers.
You are welcome to bring someone with you when you visit the screening centre. They will not be able to go with you into the screening suite but they can join you when you see the consultant.
You may be told the results before you leave the screening centre, but the results of a biopsy will take longer. You will be given an appointment to return for the results of a biopsy before you leave, which may be up to a week or two later.
Only a few women that are called back for tests will have cancer. If you have cancer your specialist breast surgeon will talk to you about your treatment choices. You will also be given support by a specialist breast care nurse.
Early diagnosis offers the best chance of a full recovery. Most cases of breast cancer found early are treated successfully.
Screening does not prevent cancer and like most tests it is not 100% accurate. This means that some cancers may not be found. It can also mean that some women may have unnecessary checks or tests.
What if you need treatment?
If you are diagnosed with breast cancer, finding it early gives the best chance of successful treatment. We will discuss all the treatment options with you to help you make your decision.
If you are found to have breast cancer, it could be either non-invasive or invasive.
Non-invasive breast cancer
About 1 in 5 women diagnosed with breast cancer through screening will have non-invasive cancer. This means there are cancer cells in the breast, but they are only found inside the milk ducts (tubes) and have not spread any further. This is also called ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). In some women, the cancer cells stay inside the ducts. But in others they will grow (invade) the surrounding breast in the future.
Invasive breast cancer
About 4 in 5 women diagnosed with breast cancer through screening will have invasive cancer. This is cancer that has grown out of the milk ducts and into the surrounding breast. Most invasive breast cancers will spread to other parts of the body if left untreated.
Whether the cancer is invasive or non-invasive, you will be offered treatment and care from a team of breast cancer specialists. The treatment is likely to include surgery (which may mean a lumpectomy or a mastectomy), radiotherapy, hormone therapy and possibly chemotherapy. These treatments can cause long-term side effects.
For more information and support visit Breast Cancer Now.
Page last reviewed: 26th January 2026