The Very High Risk (VHR) Breast Screening Programme is for women in Northern Ireland who have a much higher than average risk of developing breast cancer (around 8 times higher than usual).

Women in this programme are invited for regular (surveillance) screening:

• Every year
• From a younger age than routine breast screening

Screening is arranged through the specialist unit at Antrim Area Hospital.

Who is this programme for?

This programme is for women who have been assessed by a specialist (for example in genetics, family history, or cancer services) and confirmed to be at very high risk of breast cancer.

You may be at higher risk if:

• You have a genetic condition, such as the BRCA gene
• You had radiotherapy to the chest area at a young age

What does screening involve?

Depending on your age and level of risk, you may be offered:

• Mammograms (breast X-rays)
• MRI scans
• Or both

Screening usually takes place at:

• The specialist imaging unit at Antrim Area Hospital, or
• Your local screening unit (if only a mammogram is needed)

How to access the programme

If you think you may be at higher risk of breast cancer:

• Speak to your GP
• You may be referred to a Family History Clinic
• From there, you may be offered genetic testing if appropriate

Getting your results

You will usually receive your results within 2–3 weeks.
Your GP and referring doctor will also receive a copy.

There are three possible results:

Normal result

• No problems found
• You will be invited again in one year (until age 71)

Technical recall

• The test or tests to be repeated for technical reasons only
• This does not mean there is a problem

Further assessment

• About 7 in 100 women are asked to come back for more tests
• This is to check something more closely
• Most of the time, this does not mean cancer

Checking your breasts between appointments

Breast cancer can develop between screening appointments, so it is important to:

• Check your breasts regularly for changes
• Know what is normal for you

Find out more about breast awareness.

About the service

The Very High Risk Breast Screening Unit at Antrim Area Hospital is led by a radiologist, with input from other radiologists, radiographers, and administrative staff.

Read more in this leaflet: Breast screening for women with a higher risk of breast cancer.

How to contact us

Very High Risk Breast Screening Unit
Antrim Area Hospital

• Telephone: 028 9442 4426
• Email: VeryHighRiskBreastScreening@northerntrust.hscni.net