1. What is a Breast Test and Why do we go?
Section 1
What is a Breast Test
and
Why do we go?
Version 5 – October 2013

2. Who goes for this test?
All women between the age of 50 and 70 are invited
Invitation letters are sent out every three years
Section Page 1

3. What happens if I am over 70?
If you are over you can still come for breast screening.
You can ring Breast Test Wales and ask for an appointment
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4. Why is it important to go for a breast test?
Breast cancer can affect any woman but is more common in a woman over 50
The test looks for cancer
If we find breast cancer early, treatment has the best chance of working
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5. What is the test called? The test is called a Mammogram
The test looks for breast cancer before symptoms show
An X-ray of your breast is taken
One breast will be X-rayed first, then the other
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6. What is Cancer?
Cancer is a very serious illness which could get worse if not treated
There are different types of cancer
Some people who get cancer die
Lots of people who get breast cancer get better
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7. Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer is the most common type of cancer found in women
Some breast cancers can spread to other parts of the body
The best way of testing for breast cancer is by having a regular breast test
Source: Cancer Research UK
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8. What is an X-ray? It is like a photograph
It shows doctors what is happening inside your breast
It shows them things that you may not be able to see or feel
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9. Will the test hurt? You may find the test uncomfortable
It may hurt for a short time
Your breast may be a little bit red or sore after the X-ray
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