Getting the results: Normal results
After a routine mammogram in the NHS Breast Screening Programme, the radiographer (the female specialist who takes the breast x-rays) informs women how and approximately when they will get the results. She also reminds them to be breast aware between screening appointments. If it is the woman's last routine screening before age 73, the radiographer also reminds her that she can ask for another screening appointment in three years' time. She will also give the woman a card to help her remember this.
The mammogram is examined and the results sent to the woman and her GP, usually within two weeks. Most women we spoke with discussed waiting for and receiving their mammogram results by post. Some received them within two weeks, others sometimes received their results three, four, or even five weeks later.
Some women did not worry about the results until they arrived, when they were a bit nervous opening the letter. Two British Chinese women had their daughters translate the results letter for them; their results had always been normal. A British Indian woman said that, if she was at all unsure about her results letter, her daughter would translate it for her. One woman said that, although she did not usually worry whilst waiting for her results letter, after her last mammogram she did. This was because she was on HRT and had just heard about a report on HRT and breast cancer (see 'HRT').
Some women waiting for the results letter were a bit anxious. A few said they would expect the screening unit to contact them straightaway if there were any problems. They therefore felt anxious during the first week after a mammogram but less anxious as time went on. Several women said that, while they didn't feel anxious waiting for their results, they often remembered that they were expecting a letter. One woman waited five weeks to receive her results by post and became progressively more anxious. As the letter said that mistakes were occasionally made, she also wondered whether she could believe the results.
One woman was particularly concerned waiting for the results of her first mammogram but much more relaxed on subsequent occasions, especially when she had had a mammogram between the usual three-year interval. Another woman said that, after her last mammogram, she felt slightly concerned because of the radiographer's manner. However, she also noted that levels of anxiety can depend on the experience at the screening unit and how you are feeling on the day.
One woman, who had had mammograms privately before her first one on the NHS, compared her experiences of receiving results on the NHS and privately.
All women found the results letter easy to understand and were relieved to hear that their results were normal.
Last reviewed November 2010.
