BREAST SCREENING
What is breast screening?
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in Australia and the second most common cancer to cause death in women. Early detection of breast cancer can significantly improve breast cancer survival.
Mammogram is the recommended screening test for the early detection of breast cancer.
A screening mammogram (also called a breast screen) is for women with no breast symptoms. This is different to a diagnostic mammogram, which is for women with new breast changes such as a lump or nipple discharge.
Who is eligible for breast screening?
BreastScreen NSW invites you to have your first screening mammogram at the age of 50, and then once every 2 years up to the age of 74.
Screening Recommendations Based On Age
Under 40
As you are at lower risk of developing breast cancer, breast screening is not encouraged for women in your age group. Also, as breast density is higher in women under 40, it can be harder for screening mammograms to detect small cancers.
40-49
You can attend BreastScreen NSW for a free screening mammogram, but breast screening is less effective for women in your age group. Speak to your doctor about whether breast screening is right for you.
50-74
It is recommended you have a screening mammogram every 2 years - look out for your reminder letter from BreastScreen NSW.
Over 74
You can attend BreastScreen NSW for a free screening mammogram, however, you should speak to your doctor first about whether breast screening is a priority for you.
What are the benefits of breast screening?
Breast screening can detect very small breast cancers before they can be seen or felt by you or your doctor. Early detection of breast cancer can mean less invasive treatment and better survival rates.
Breast screening reduces the number of deaths from breast cancer.
Women whose breast cancer is detected by BreastScreen NSW are half as likely to need a mastectomy.
What are the potential limitations of breast screening?
A mammogram is the most effective test for finding breast cancer early in women over the age of 50, but like other screening tests it is not 100% accurate. Not all cancers will be detected through screening. Some cancers cannot be seen on a mammogram or can develop during the time between mammograms. There is also a small chance that a cancer could be missed on a mammogram.
A screening mammogram may detect abnormalities in the breast which require further tests, but may not turn out to be cancer.
Most breast cancers found through BreastScreen NSW would grow and become life-threatening if not treated. However, some breast cancers that are found and treated may not have become life-threatening (known as overdiagnosis). At this time, it is not possible to tell exactly which breast cancers may become life-threatening and which may not.
Having a screening mammogram means your breasts are exposed to a very small amount of radiation. Research shows the benefits of having regular breast screening outweigh any possible risks from radiation.
Can I have a screening mammogram if I have breast implants?
Yes. Women with breast implants can have regular screening mammograms. Special techniques are used to push the implant aside to obtain clear images of the breast tissue and to minimise the amount of compression placed on the implants. Implants can cover some of the breast tissue, which may make it more difficult to find small breast cancers. There is an extremely small chance that the pressure placed on the implant during the mammogram may cause the implants to rupture. In women with ruptured implants, having a mammogram may increase the amount of silicone or saline spreading into the breast tissue.
What are the recommendations for breast screening for trans and gender diverse people?
Trans women: a female who was presumed to be male at birth.
If you have been using gender-affirming hormones for 5 or more years, breast screening is recommended every 2 years from the age of 50 to 74.
If you have been using gender-affirming hormones for less than 5 years, or have not used gender affirming hormones at all, breast screening is not recommended.
Trans men: a male who was presumed to be female at birth.
If you have not had gender affirming chest surgery, breast screening is recommended every 2 years from the age of 50 to 74.
If you have had gender affirming chest surgery (partial or double mastectomy), talk to your doctor about your individual breast cancer risk factors.
Cisgender men: a male who was presumed to be male at birth.
Cisgender men do develop breast cancer but it is far less common. Regular breast screening is not recommended.
Cisgender women: a female who was presumed to be female at birth.
Breast screening is recommended every 2 years from the age of 50 to 74.
Useful Resources
Your Appointment with BreastScreen NSW - this brochure provides information about what to expect before, during and after your screening mammogram.
What Happens After Your Screening Mammogram? - this brochure explains what happens now that you have had your screening mammogram, when you will get results and what these results will mean.
Your Assessment Clinic Visit - this brochure provides information about what happens when you are asked to come back for further tests.
Breast Implants & Breast Screening - this brochure provides information for women who have breast implants and answers some questions about what happens at a breast screening appointment.
