A breast screen, also called a mammogram or mammography, uses a low-dose X-ray to examine the breasts and look for anything that may be a sign of breast cancer. It is important to get a breast screen every two years, even if you don’t have any symptoms. This helps find breast cancer early, when it’s too small to feel by you or your doctor.
Cancers that are small are more easily treated. Breast screening can help to find breast cancer early and leads to better treatment outcomes!
Breast screening is a healthy choice because:
Breast screening or mammogram is generally recommended for:
Breast screening or mammogram is generally not recommended for:
Breast screening through the BreastScreen Queensland program is free for all women aged 40 years and over.
It is recommended to have a breast screen (also called a mammogram) every two years if you are aged between 50 to 74. Women in this age group will typically receive an invitation to screen. If you haven’t received an invitation, call BreastScreen Qld to make an appointment or book online. Breast screening is recommended for this age group because the risk of breast cancer increases with age.
Women aged 40 to 49 years who have a higher risk due to family history, genetic mutations, or other factors may need to start screening earlier, as advised by their doctor. Some women may continue regular screenings beyond 75, depending on their overall health, risk factors and in consultation with their doctor.
Wear a two-piece outfit, such as top with a skirt or pants, as you’ll need to remove your clothes from the waist up during the screening including your bra. You will be given a modesty cover for your susus. Avoid wearing talcum powder, deodorant and cream on your body, as these can affect the X-rays of your breasts.
During a breast screen, the following happens:
Registration: When you arrive at the screening centre, you’ll register with your details. Bring your doctor name and clinic details to include in the registration. Your doctor will be made aware of your visit, receive your results and support you to stay on track for when your next screen is due.
Preparation: A person who takes your breast screen (radiographer) will collect you from the waiting room and take you to the breast screening room. They will explain the breast screening process and will answer your question. You’ll be asked to undress from the waist up and wear a provided gown.
Procedure: A radiographer will guide you to stand in front of a special X-ray machine and will explain how to place your breasts one at a time on the bottom plate of the breast screening machine. The radiographer will then gently press the breast between the top and bottom plates, so a clear image is taken. This may be uncomfortable, but it shouldn’t hurt, and if it hurts, you can ask the radiographer to stop.
Imaging: Two images are usually taken of each breast, one from above and one from the side.
Discomfort: Some women may experience slight discomfort or pressure, but it typically lasts only a few seconds.
This video explains the process of having a breast screen done.
After your breast screening, specially trained health professionals (radiologists) will look at the images (mammograms). You will get your results within four weeks online or via post. You’ll get them faster if you’ve set up a BreastScreen Queensland online account and asked for your results to be sent there. The results will also be sent to your doctor if you provided their details.
Negative test result: Most women who have screening mammograms do not show signs of breast cancer. If your results are clear, you will get a reminder to screen again in two years. It’s important to know how your breasts normally look and feel because cancer can develop at any time, even between screenings. If you notice any changes in your breasts between screenings, have a yarn with your doctor.
What if I am asked to come back for further tests? Sometimes, you might be asked to return for more tests. This doesn’t mean you have breast cancer; it just means more tests are needed to be sure. This is more common for first-time mammograms because there are no previous images to compare. Most people who are called back do not have breast cancer.
If you are unsure and worried about being called back for your test results, we suggest you contact your clinic and have a yarn with your doctor or health worker. If you need support for the follow-up appointment, let the clinics know.
Booking an appointment: You can contact BreastScreen Queensland on 13 20 50 or book online. You can also ask your clinic if there are any upcoming screening days. Supported screen days are organised by your local Aboriginal Medical Service or BreastScreen Queensland to make breast cancer screening more accessible and convenient for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. These days often include additional support services, such as mobile BreastScreen units traveling to various locations, making it easier for women to get screened. Clinics may also organise community events where women are invited to come in groups, accompanied and transported by an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health worker or health promotion officer to BreastScreen Queensland for screening/mammograms.
Mobile screening services: Mobile breast screening units visit some regions, you can check if and when a van is visiting on the BreastScreen website.
Any changes you observe in your breasts should be checked with your doctor as soon as possible as your doctor will be able to advise you.
The following are the changes to look for:
It’s important to learn what your breasts normally look and feel like, as there is no right or wrong way to do this. In between breast screens, you should see your doctor if you notice any changes in the normal appearance or feel of your breasts.
If you are concerned about any breast changes, it’s important to yarn with your doctor first before scheduling an appointment, as there may be other tests that are better suited to the changes you’ve noticed.
