Recall for Assessment - Second Stage Screening

Recall for Assessment - Second Stage Screening

Patient Information

South Lancashire Breast Screening Programme

• Author ID: GE
• Leaflet Ref: BSC 002
• Version: 5
• Leaflet Title: Recall for Assessment - Second stage screening
• Date Produced: April 2024
• Expiry Date: April 2026

Why have I been recalled for assessment? 

Your mammograms (breast x-rays) have been looked at by two specialist readers 

(Radiologists and/or Advanced Practitioners). They have decided more information is needed before a result can be given to you. 

Approximately 4 out of every 100 women screened are recalled. You are more likely to be recalled after your first mammogram. This may be because a possible problem with the breast tissue was detected on your mammograms. 

This problem may be due to normal changes in the breast, but further investigation will be needed to confirm this. The majority of women recalled for assessment will have a normal breast change or a benign (not cancer) condition. 

It is natural to feel anxious about being recalled for assessment, so do feel free to bring a relative or friend with you. 

Please note, we do not have the facilities to carry out the assessment anywhere else other than the Breast Screening Unit at the Thomas Linacre Centre, Wigan, due to the specialised staff and equipment required. 

What happens at the assessment clinic? 

The Radiographers and/or Radiologist will be able to answer any of the questions you may wish to ask at any time during your visit to the Breast Screening Unit. Breast Care Nurse support is also available. 

You will have some tests which might include any of the following: 

• Further mammograms taken at different angles or using magnification 
• Clinical breast examination 
• Breast ultrasound 

Each test only lasts a few minutes, but there is some waiting time between them. The Radiologist will explain the findings of these further tests with you. 

Sometimes a needle biopsy may be required, but this would be discussed with you at the time. Small pieces of tissue are taken from the area under investigation to be looked at in the laboratory. If a needle biopsy is taken, this may mean a delay of 7 to 10 days before further results are available. 

How long will I be at the assessment clinic? 

Please allow at least 3 hours for your visit. If a needle biopsy is recommended, then you may be asked to stay a little longer or be given an appointment for the procedure to be performed at a later date. 

What if I have breast cancer? 

If your tests show that you have breast cancer, then you will be referred to a Breast Surgeon. At that consultation, your treatment options will be discussed with you. 

Please remember that the majority of women who are recalled will leave the Breast Screening Unit with a normal result and will not require any further investigations until they attend in 3 years for their routine screening mammogram. 

If you require any further information, please contact us on: 

0300 7075725

0300 7075755 

0300 7075820.

Alternatively, if you wish to speak to one of our Breast Care Nurses please telephone  0300 7075720 

How do I check my breasts for changes between my routine 3 yearly screening mammogram? 

If you get to know how your breasts normally look and feel, you will be more likely to spot any changes that could be signs of breast cancer. This is important, even if you have been for breast screening. Look out for the following: 

• A lump or thickening in the breast 
• A change in the nipple. The nipple might be pulled back into the breast, or change shape. You might have a rash that makes the nipple look red and scaly, or have blood or another fluid coming from the nipple 
• A change in how the breast feels or looks. It may feel heavy, warm or uneven, or the skin may look dimpled. The size and shape of the breast may change 
• Pain or discomfort in the breast or armpit 
• A swelling or lump in the armpit 

If you have any change to your breast, you should make an appointment to see your General Practitioner (GP) straight away. You may not have cancer. But if you do, being diagnosed and treated at an early stage may mean that you are more likely to survive breast cancer.