--- title: "Mammogram: What to Expect | HealthAnswers" description: "A mammogram is a breast X-ray used in NHS screening to detect breast cancer early, offered to women aged 50 to 71 every three years in England." url: https://healthanswers.co.uk/tests/mammogram/ robots: noindex --- # Mammogram: What to Expect | HealthAnswers Tests & investigations A mammogram is a breast X-ray used in NHS screening to detect breast cancer early, offered to women aged 50 to 71 every three years in England. Written by HealthAnswers editorial team Medically reviewed by [HealthAnswers UK doctor review panel](https://healthanswers.co.uk/our-doctors/) Reviewed 3 July 2026 ## Quick answer What is a mammogram? A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast used to detect cancer early, often before it can be felt. The NHS Breast Screening Programme invites women aged 50 to 71 for a mammogram every three years. The breast is briefly compressed to take clear images, which can feel uncomfortable but is normal. ## Who is this page for? This page is for people in the UK who want a plain-English overview of Mammogram, including when to seek help and what NHS care usually involves. It explains general information, not what is wrong with you personally. ## Who should skip this page? Skip this page if you need a diagnosis, a prescription, or emergency care. It cannot replace a GP, pharmacist, NHS 111 or 999. If you are in immediate danger, call 999; for urgent advice that is not life-threatening, call 111 in England, Scotland or Wales, or use your GP out-of-hours service in Northern Ireland. On this page 4 sections ## Key facts about the mammogram - Mammograms can detect cancers too small to feel by hand. - Women are invited from age 50 to 71 every 3 years in England. - Higher breast density may mean additional imaging is needed. - Some cancers are missed, so report new symptoms at any time. - A family history of breast cancer may warrant earlier surveillance. ## What breast screening involves Breast screening is a population-wide programme that aims to reduce deaths from breast cancer through early detection. Finding cancers earlier generally leads to better outcomes, which is why the NHS invites eligible women to attend regularly. ## What happens during a mammogram During a mammogram, a radiographer positions your breast on the machine and typically takes two X-ray images of each breast. The whole appointment is usually quick, though the compression needed for clear images can feel uncomfortable for a short time. ## Understanding your mammogram results A normal mammogram result means you will simply be invited back for your next routine screening in three years. A recall result means further tests are needed, but this does not necessarily mean cancer has been found. ## Symptoms between screening rounds Any new breast lump should be assessed by a GP through the two-week-wait referral pathway, regardless of when your next screening appointment is due. Screening is designed to complement, rather than replace, checking for and reporting new symptoms yourself. ## ! When to speak to a doctor about the mammogram Attend your breast screening appointment when you are invited. See a GP immediately if you notice a new breast lump, nipple change or discharge, and do not wait for your next screening round. Call **111** for urgent advice when you are unsure what to do. ## Common questions about the mammogram Does a mammogram hurt? A mammogram involves the breast being compressed between two plates for a few moments, which some people find uncomfortable. Most describe it as brief pressure rather than significant pain. Is there a radiation risk from mammograms? Mammograms use a very low dose of radiation, and for women in the screening age group the benefits are considered to outweigh this small risk. This is why the NHS offers routine screening to this age group. Can women under 50 have breast screening? Routine NHS breast screening starts at age 50, so women under 50 are not automatically invited. Younger women who develop symptoms are assessed individually by their GP. What happens after an abnormal mammogram? An abnormal mammogram usually leads to a recall for further imaging and sometimes a biopsy. Most women who are recalled do not turn out to have cancer. ## Sources - [NHS — Breast Cancer Screening](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer-screening) - [NHS — Breast Cancer](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer)