Breast screening

We invite women aged 50 – 70, who are on the National Breast Screening programme (when you are invited at 50 for regular mammograms),  to take part in a research study about breast screening and symptom recognition.

The study explores how previous mammogram results that came back as clear influenced how women later diagnosed with Invasive Lobular Carcinoma understood symptoms and decided to seek medical help.

This study is part of an MSc project at the University of Aberdeen.

Purpose

Invasive Lobular Carcinoma often presents with subtle changes such as thickening, asymmetry, or discomfort rather than a clear lump. This study aims to understand whether earlier normal mammograms affected how women interpreted symptoms and how quickly they sought help. The findings will inform future awareness and communication.

Who can take part

You may be eligible if you:

• Are aged 50 – 70
• Were diagnosed with stage I, II, or III Invasive Lobular Carcinoma in the past five years
• Had at least one normal mammogram before diagnosis
• Live in the UK
• Feel comfortable completing an online interview in English

What taking part involves

• One online interview via Microsoft Teams
• Around 60 minutes
• Audio recorded and transcribed
• No follow up required

The interview will ask about your screening history, noticing symptoms, seeking help, and your experience with healthcare professionals.

Voluntary participation

Taking part is voluntary. You may stop the interview at any time and skip any question. You may withdraw your data until it has been anonymised and included in analysis.

Ethical approval

This study has received ethical approval from the School Ethics Review Board, University of Aberdeen.

To take part

If you would like more information or wish to take part, please contact Gabrielle Codd at the University of Aberdeen by 30 June 2026. Email: t05gc@abdn.ac.uk or s.maclennan@abdn.ac.uk