Breast screening

Question 1

What is the main form of screening for breast cancer?

Answer 1

Mammography

Question 2

When are mammography’s carried out?

Answer 2

Every 3 years

Question 3

In whom are mammography’s carried out in every 3 years?

Answer 3

50-70 year olds

Question 4

When should someone be referred urgently for breast screening?

Answer 4

• aged 30 and over and have an unexplained breast lump
• aged 50 and over with any of the following symptoms

Question 5

When is a mammography carried out in someone if they are referred urgently?

Answer 5

Within 2 weeks

Question 6

How would you manage someone under the age of 30 presenting with an unexplained breast lump?

Answer 6

Non-urgent referral for mammography

Question 7

How would you manage someone over the age of 30 presenting with an unexplained breast lump?

Answer 7

Urgent referral- mammography within 2 weeks

Question 8

What symptoms in someone over 50 would cause for an urgent referral for mammography?

Answer 8

nipple discharge, retraction or other changes of concern

Question 9

What risk factors would prompt more regular diagnosis in younger patients

Answer 9

First degree relative:
* age of diagnosis < 40 years
* bilateral breast cancer
* male breast cancer
* ovarian cancer
* Jewish ancestry

Question 10

What is the triple assessment that is used to diagnosed breast cancer?

Answer 10

Clinical examination: breast and lymph nodes

Radiological examination: mammography

Biopsy: typically a core needle biopsy or fine needle aspirate (FNA)

Question 11

When might you consider a suspected cancer pathway referral (for an appointment within 2 weeks)?

Answer 11

with skin changes that suggest breast cancer
or
aged 30 and over with an unexplained lump in the axilla