Breast screening. Information for patients Breast Screening Programme. Easy Read

Transcription

1 Breast screening Information for patients Breast Screening Programme Easy Read

2 Easy Read 1 What is breast screening? Breast screening is how we check your breasts are healthy. It is an X-ray that can take pictures of inside your breast. It is very quick and easy to do. If you are aged between 50 and 70, you will be sent a letter about breast screening. This letter is sent to all women your age right across the country. The letter will tell you about how to make an appointment for your screening. If you need help to do this you can call us on this number:

3 Easy Read 2 Why should I be screened? It is good to be screened as we can check your breasts are healthy. If there is something wrong we can make sure you get the right treatment quickly. Most people feel better after their screening as they know everything is ok. If I decide to go, what happens next? This booklet will tell you what happens if you do decide to be screened. On the day of the appointment It is best to wear a top you can take off easily. Your appointment will be at the: Breast Screening Unit Floor C Royal Hallamshire Hospital Sheffield You should get a map with your appointment letter.

4 Easy Read 3 Can someone come with me? A relative, friend or carer can come with you for your breast screening. What happens when I arrive? When you arrive at the Breast Screening reception show the receptionist your appointment letter. The receptionist will ask you to sit in the waiting room until it is time for your X-ray. You will be shown where to wait. When it is time for your X-ray the radiographer will come to meet you. The radiographer is the person that will do your X-ray.

5 Easy Read 4 If you have brought someone with you they can also come. They can stay in the room and help you talk to us when you have your X-ray. The radiographer will tell you all about what will happen during the X-ray. If you have any problems or are worried about anything then ask the radiographer to help. She will be happy to answer any questions you have. This is the machine that will take the X-rays of your breasts. The radiographer will explain how it works. It should not hurt, so please don't worry. When you are ready, the radiographer will ask you to take off your top and bra in the changing room. Only the radiographer will see you like this. She will make sure you feel comfortable.

6 Easy Read 5 You will need to stand very close to the machine. The radiographer will help you stand in the right position. She will press on to your breast and you will have to keep very still for a few seconds. It might feel uncomfortable but it is not for long. The radiographer will then stand behind the glass window to take the picture. You will still be able to see and talk to her. This does not take long. Just a couple of minutes. The radiographer will make sure the X-rays have been taken properly. She will tell you when you can get dressed and go home. How will I feel after the X-ray? Most people do not feel any different. You might find that your breasts are sore for a little while. If this does happen it shouldn't last long.

7 Easy Read 6 In a couple of weeks time you will be sent a letter about the results of your X-rays. Most people have healthy breasts and are asked to come back in 3 years time. A very small number of people are asked to come back to hospital. This is so the doctor can make more checks to see if you need any treatment. Please don't worry if you are asked to come back. What if I need help speaking or hearing? Please let us know if you have any problems with speaking or hearing. If we know about any problems we can arrange some help for when you come for your breast screening.

8 Easy Read 7 We can arrange for someone to help if you use British Sign Language or Makaton. We can arrange for someone to help you understand what is happening. There is also a hearing loop system in the department. If you do not speak English please bring someone with you who can speak English to help you. If there is no one who can speak English at home please let us know before you come to the hospital. We can arrange for someone to help you. Tell us if you have problems standing or moving around. We can make arrangements to help you with your breast screening.

9 Easy Read 8 Can I contact the Breast Screening Unit? You can contact the Breast Screening Unit if you need to: Find out about an appointment time Change an appointment time Find out about transport to and from the hospital Find out more information about the X-ray The Breast Screening Unit is open Monday to Friday. From 8:00am - 5:30pm. Who else can I talk to about this? If you want to know more about breast screening you can call us on this number: We will be happy to help.

10 Easy Read 9 Questions to ask It is important you understand what the breast screening radiographer and the receptionist say to you. Don't be afraid to ask if you don't understand. You could say: "Can you explain it again please?" Before you leave the hospital, make sure you know what will happen next.

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12 Easy Read Produced with support from Sheffield Hospitals Charity working together we can help local patients feel even better To donate visit Registered Charity No Alternative formats can be available on request. Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 2018 Re-use of all or any part of this document is governed by copyright and the Re-use of Public Sector Information Regulations 2005 SI 2005 No Information on re-use can be obtained from the Information Governance Department, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals. PD6497-PIL2518 v4 Issue Date: June Review Date: June 2021