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Screening information for Transgender and Non-binary individuals - About breast screening

Who: Some people aged from 50 up to 70 (and over 70 if you ask)

When: Every three years

Test: Mammogram (breast X-ray)

You will receive your first invitation before your 53rd birthday.

If you are invited for breast screening or have asked for this to be done at the hospital, it is important to attend.

Breast screening can save lives by finding breast cancer early.

Contact Breast Test Wales (Need to link this contact page)

Things you need to know about breast screening

If you are registered with your doctor as female, you will be invited for breast screening.

  • If you are on long-term oestrogen therapy, you may be at an increased risk of developing breast cancer and should attend for screening when invited.
  • If you have had chest reconstruction (breast implants), we recommend that you still attend for breast screening.

If you are not registered with your doctor as female, you will not be invited for breast screening.

If you have not had chest reconstruction (top surgery) or still have breasts, we recommend that you go for breast screening.

You will need to talk to your doctor to arrange a referral at a hospital or breast clinic. This will not be carried out by Breast Test Wales.

We may invite people who do not need to have breast screening. If this applies to you or you are not sure, contact Breast Test Wales who will be able to help you.

General information

Let Breast Test Wales know if you would like your appointment at the beginning or end of the clinic or if you would prefer to be screened at your nearest breast screening centre.

If you wear a binder, private changing rooms are available so that you can remove this before having your breast X-ray.

If you are worried about going for breast screening or if breast cancer runs in your family speak to your doctor. If you find talking to your doctor difficult you may want to get support from someone you trust to do this for you.

Taking part in screening is your choice. If you do not want to be invited for breast – screening you will need to contact your nearest breast screening office, who will explain how you can opt out of breast screening.

What you can do

It is important to get to know how your breasts look and feel. We understand that this may be difficult. However, it is important as it will help you notice any changes that are different. Although uncommon, people assigned male at birth can get breast cancer, so it is important that everyone is breast/chest aware.

Signs and symptoms you should look for

  • A change in the size or shape of one breast.
  • Puckering or dimpling of the skin.
  • A change in the position of the nipple – it might be pulled in or pointing differently.
  • Lumps, thickening or bumpy areas in one breast or the armpit.
  • Discharge or blood from the nipple.
  • A rash around the nipple.
  • Swelling in your armpit.
  • Constant discomfort or pain in one breast that is different from normal.

How to check your breasts

  • Touch your breasts: can you feel anything unusual?
  • Look for changes: does anything look different?
  • Check any changes with your doctor.

If you notice any changes, talk to your doctor without delay.

For more information, visit the breast screening page.

Page last reviewed: 24th February 2025