Attending a screening appointment can be a daunting experience, so we have put together some films showing you what to expect, as well as getting some words from one of our mammographers.

Watch a film about breast screening at your local hospital

We have made two videos showing you what to expect when you attend for breast screening at Castle Hill Hospital or Diana Princess of Wales Hospital.

These videos show the whole mammogram procedure, from invite to clinic to results, in full detail. Please note that these videos contain female nudity.

“This is the machine we use; it takes x-rays of your breasts. You need to undress from the waist up for your mammogram. I need to gently lift your breasts, one at a time, onto the machine. I will take two pictures of each breast, first top-to-toe and then sideways. The top plate will come down and hold your breast firmly in place whilst the x-ray is being taken. This is to hold your breast very still during the x-ray and it also means we can use less radiation to get the best picture. This can feel very tight but only for a few seconds at a time. Once the picture is taken the compression is automatically released. My job is to ensure that your breasts are in the right position for us to get the best possible picture – all I need you to do is relax as much as possible!”Helen Warren, our Advanced Mammography Practitioner, who has been conducting screening procedures since 2006.

The breast screening team are all female

At the Humberside Breast Screening Service, we understand that some women can feel uncomfortable or embarrassed when attending their appointment. For this reason, we only employ female screening staff. The breast screening procedure does not last long, so when you attend your appointment you will only need to be undressed from the waist up for around 5-6 minutes. When you attend your appointment, you will only need to be undressed from the waist up for around 5 minutes. In most cases, you will only be seen undressed by one woman who specialises in breast screening.

Privacy and dignity

It is very important to us that you feel comfortable throughout your screening appointment. We will do everything that we can to make sure that your privacy and dignity are respected during your visit. If you have any concerns, please speak to one of the team who will be happy to help.