Breast screening: clinical guidelines for screening assessment
Clinical guidelines for healthcare professionals screening women for breast cancer.
Applies to England
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The aim of assessment is to obtain a definitive and timely diagnosis of all potential abnormalities detected during screening.
This is best achieved by using ‘triple assessment’, comprising:
- imaging (usually mammography and ultrasound)
- clinical examination
- image guided needle biopsy for histological examination if indicated
Cytology should no longer be used alone to obtain a non-operative diagnosis of breast cancer.
Updates to this page
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Fixed broken link. Added new rationale in table for B3 lesions.
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• Inclusion of the use of Contrast Enhanced Mammography (CEM) where indicated in certain cases and where available in assessment clinics • Shorter recall period of 6 months for masses, asymmetries and architectural distortions • Guidance on cases with multiple foci of abnormality • Addition of the requirement to complete NBSS data entry in assessment clinic • Other points of clarification, reorganisation of sections and updates to figures
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Technical updates
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Changed lead organisation from Public Health England to NHS England.
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Updated with new 2016 clinical guidance.
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First published.