If it is the woman's last routine screening invitation, the radiographer also reminds her that she can ask for another screening appointment in three years' time. The mammogram is a low dose x-ray. Each breast is placed in turn on the x-ray machine and gently but firmly compressed with a clear plate. The compression only lasts a few seconds and does not cause any harm to the breasts. Compression is needed to keep the breast still and to get the clearest picture with the lowest amount of radiation possible.
Some women find compression slightly uncomfortable and some feel short-lived pain.
Research has shown that for most women it is less painful than having a blood test and compares with having blood pressure measured. At subsequent screenings, only the mediolateral view is taken. Work is underway to expand the programme by 2003 to enable women to have two-view mammography at every screening round. The results The mammograms are examined by a radiologist and a result letter is sent to the woman and her GP within two weeks of the screening attendance. If the mammogram is normal, then she is invited again for routine screening in three years time.