Breast Screening

What we do

COVID-19 (coronavirus) service update

Breast screening is important. It offers a significant opportunity for the early detection of breast cancer which increases the chances of recovery and reduces the need for treatments like chemotherapy.

Breast screening units across London have put measures in place to help people stay safe and keep their distance. Access to screening services is also easier as you can have your appointment on a day and time of your choice.

Screening appointments
We lead the South East London Breast Screening Service, which is part of the national NHS Breast Screening Programme. The aim of screening is to find breast cancers when they are small and can be treated most effectively.

Women aged 50 to 70 are invited for routine screening mammography (breast x-ray examination) once every three years. Women who are 71 or over can also book a screening appointment.

After their screening, around 1 in 20 (5%) women will be asked to attend a specialist clinic at King's. This is because more information is needed before their result can be confirmed. 4 out of 5 women who are asked to attend the specialist clinic will ultimately have a normal screening result.

Screening is carried out either on one of our mobile units or at static sites in South East London. These are at:

• Bromley Phoenix Centre, BR2 9JG
• Sydenham Savacentre, SE26 4 PU
• St Paul's Cray Clinic, BR5 2RJ
• 104 Camberwell Building, SE5 8RX
• Memorial Hospital, SE18 3RZ
• Queen Mary’s Hospital, DA14 6LT

If you have any questions or you would like to know more, www.nhs.uk has further information and advice.

Watch the video below to find out more about the measures that have been put in place to increase patient safety during COVID-19 and the importance of attending breast screenings. Visit YouTube for translated versions of the video.

Preparing for your appointment

Contact us before your mammogram if you:

• have any disability
• have breast implants
• are pregnant or breastfeeding.

South East London Breast Screening Service has more information about what to expect at your appointment.

Location

Ground floor, Cheyne Wing, King's College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 9RS

Contact Details

• Appointments and queries: +44 (0)20 3758 2024

Conditions we treat

There are two separate breast imaging services at King's:

• GPs should refer symptomatic women to the Breast Care Clinic.
• well women are invited to the (South East London Breast Screening Service). We invite women aged 50-70, and some women aged between 47 and 49 years or 71 and 73 years old. Women aged 71 or over can also book a screening appointment. The screening service is described below.

Booking a patient at King's

Routine Referrals

Women aged over 71 years old or over can book a screening mammogram by phoning 020 3758 2024.

All other eligible women will be sent an invitation to a screening.

Emergency Referrals

Not applicable - this is a screening service for well women.

Other Queries

To change appointments or for queries, tel: 020 3758 2024.

For advice from the Breast Care Nurse, tel: 020 3299 3615.

For advice from the Head of Breast Radiography, tel: 020 3299 3384.

Key Clinical Staff