Screening for women with implants
Breast screening is available for women with breast implants at Princess Anne Hospital or on mobile screening units.
Breast screening by mammography (breast x-rays) can detect cancer at a very early stage, and screening has been shown to reduce the number of deaths from breast cancer.
However, mammography can be less effective in women who have breast implants. This is because the x-rays cannot see through the implant to the breast tissue behind it.
If you have implants and you have received an invite for screening, it is very important that you let us know that you have implants.
Before your appointment
Please contact the screening office to let them know, we’ll need to allow more time for your appointment.
At your appointment
Please tell the radiographer carrying out your screening that you have breast implants. They may need to use a slightly different technique so that as much breast tissue as possible can be shown on the x-ray.
Screening does not check your implants. If you think you have a problem with one or both implants, please mention this before you are screened, as mammography might not be appropriate.
You can find out more in this leaflet: