| Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS website. |
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| Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or see this week's feature L: Laxatives. |
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Your ResultsYour breast screening (mammogram) results will be posted to you, usually within 2 weeks of your appointment. When your result should arriveYou will usually get your results within 2 weeks of your breast screening appointment. They will be sent to you by letter. They will also be sent to the GP surgery you are registered with. Rarely you may need to have another mammogram to get a clearer picture of your breasts. Your results would be sent after this second breast screening appointment. Try not to worry if it takes longer to get your results letter. You can call the breast screening service to see if they have any updates. It does not mean anything is wrong, and most people will have a normal result. No sign of breast cancerYour breast screening result letter may say that your mammogram shows no sign of breast cancer. You will not need any further tests and will be invited again in 3 years. Most people who have breast screening will have no sign of cancer. Need further testsYour results may say further tests are needed. You will be given an appointment. These tests can include:
You will usually get your results within 1 week. You may feel anxious about having further tests and what this means. Your letter will tell you how to contact a breast care nurse if you have any questions or would like to discuss the process. Most people who need further tests will not be diagnosed with breast cancer. But if there are signs of breast cancer, finding it early means treatment is more likely to be successful and it's less likely you'll need to have a breast removed (mastectomy). Macmillan Cancer Support has a free helpline that's open every day from 8am to 8pm. They're there to listen if you have anything you want to talk about. Call: 0808 808 00 00 Checking your breastsEven if your breast screening shows no sign of breast cancer, it's important to check your breasts between mammograms and see a GP if you notice any changes. Find out How should I check my breasts. |
| OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health continues and you can read this week's feature L: Laxatives. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic. | | |
| Photos: LightFieldStudios and one of VladOrlov, Stockcube, darak77, ajr_images or rawpixel.com. | ||