If you are asked to return for a technical repeat, this will be to ensure that the image is of diagnostic quality and may be for various reasons such as positioning, movement or an equipment fault.

The exact reason will be explained to you at your appointment.

We are sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused you.

If you are asked to return to the Great Western Hospital for further assessment, this will be because you have either mentioned to the mammographer that you may have a problem with your breasts, or something has been seen on your mammogram that requires further investigation before your results can be confirmed.

It is suggested that you bring someone with you for support at the assessment clinic.

However, your partner, friend or family member will not be able to accompany you into the room for the extra mammogram examinations due to health and safety and radiation protection guidelines.

If you would prefer to stay with your partner, friend or family member after further mammogram examinations, then please let one of the imaging team know and we can arrange for you to sit with them.

The assessment appointment can take up to three hours.

Most women will require further mammographic imaging; some will require a clinical examination and an ultrasound scan.

In some cases, a biopsy or fine needle aspiration (FNA) will be taken, and this will be explained to you should it be necessary.

If you have a biopsy or FNA, then you will be introduced to one of our Specialist Breast Nurses to discuss what may happen next.

Our team are here to give you support, and to explain why you have been called back; they will answer any questions you may have if they are able to.

Feel free to ask questions as you go through your assessment journey - our staff will answer you as honestly as they can.

Most women are able to return to work after an assessment appointment, but we would recommend that you avoid any strenuous activity for 24 hours after a biopsy or FNA.

If, after imaging, everything appears normal, you will be given your results that day.

If you require a biopsy or FNA, you will have the opportunity to speak with one of our specialist Breast Care nurses and an appointment will be made for you to return for your results within the next two weeks.