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As part of its range of breast care services, The Diagnostic Centre at Holly House Hospital offers breast screening.

Can I have a breast screen?
If you are over 40 years of age you can have a breast screen.

What is a breast screen?
A breast screen uses X-rays - mammography - to detect the early onset of breast disease.

What happens at a breast screen?
You will be seen by a Radiographer who will explain the process of a breast screen and ask you a few questions. You will then be asked to undress to the waist in a private changing room. The Radiographer will ask you to sit or stand, then position each breast in turn between special x-ray plates. This may cause some discomfort for a few seconds.

How long does a breast screen take?
The whole visit takes about 30 minutes.

How do I prepare for a breast screen?
Remember to wear a skirt or trousers rather than a dress so that you can easily undress to the waist. Do not use talcum powder or spray deodorant because these make x-rays less clear. You may use roll on deodorant.

What happens after a breast screen?
Two Consultant Radiologists with a special interest in breast disease will read and report your mammogram and you will know the result within 7-10 days.

If it is normal, you will be sent a letter advising you so, and your GP will be sent a copy of the Radiologists' report. If an abnormality is detected, you will be telephoned to discuss what should happen next. Your GP will also be notified. It is your choice whether to have further investigations at Holly House or to have your GP arrange your treatment via your local NHS breast unit, which is likely to be St Margaret's in Epping or Whipps Cross in Leytonstone. If you do not have private medical insurance and would like to consider paying for your own treatment, we would be happy to give you a quotation. Sometimes it is necessary to recall you because the first x-rays were unclear or because you may need a more thorough check. Remember, most women who are recalled have nothing to worry about.

How often can I have a breast screen?
If you are between 40 and 50 years of age, you can have a breast screen every eighteen months. At 50, you are entitled to a breast screen as part of the NHS breast screening programme. The NHS will invite you for a screening every three years until you are 70. We recommend that you accept your NHS breast screens. You can decide to supplement these by having a Holly House breast screen in the middle year of your three-year NHS intervals. After 70, the NHS breast screening programme ends, and you can then have a Holly House breast screen every two years. Once you have had one breast screen at Holly House, you will be recalled automatically for subsequent screens relevant to your age.

I would like a Holly House breast screen
You may self-refer for a breast screen or ask your GP for a referral. If you would prefer, you can see a GP at Holly House or have your breast screen as part of a general health screen. To book an appointment or make an enquiry, please call 020 8936 1202.
What should I do if I notice a change in my breasts?
You should contact your GP if you notice a change in your breasts. Breast screening is intended to detect changes in the breast tissue at an early stage but nobody is as aware of your body as you are, so check yourself regularly and report any concerns to your GP. Please ask us for our information sheet on breast self-examination if you would like information on this.

Breast care at Holly House
Holly House Hospital offers breast screening, investigation and treatment, both surgical and medical. Please call 020 8936 1202 for appointments.