Breastscreen
The invitation to free breast screening now covers women up to 74. Everything you need to know about why you should take up our invitation is right here.
Australian women diagnosed
More than 75% of breast cancers occur in women over 50.
90% of women who get breast cancer have no family history.
An estimated 3,046 Australian women died from breast cancer in 2016.
Why we've expanded
The risk of breast cancer increases with age. That’s why the age group of women invited for free breast screening now includes women up to 74 years.
We’d like more women to participate and continue participating in our program. Quite simply, encouraging more women to participate will detect breast cancer earlier and save more lives.
Expanding the invitation to include women 50-74:
Will deliver up to 220,000 additional breast screening services over four years, potentially detecting an additional 600 breast cancers each year.
Why breast screening works
Done regularly, breast screening is an excellent way to detect breast cancer in its early stage, even before you see or feel something. By getting screened every two years you’re giving yourself the best chance for early detection and more treatment options.
Early detection:
- is better, the earlier you detect breast cancer, the better your chance of beating it
- means less invasive, more effective treatment
- is improving survival rates, thanks to better treatment and care.
Our stories
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Having a mammogram
Here’s what you can expect:
A BreastScreen Australia representative will collect your forms and explain what will happen.
A female radiographer will take you to the X-ray room.
You will be asked to remove your top in private.
When you are ready, the radiographer will take at least two X-rays of each breast.
The X-ray machine will firmly press each breast to get the best X-ray. The pressing may be uncomfortable but any discomfort usually only lasts around 10 seconds. If you experience discomfort, let the radiographer know.
Talking to your radiographer
Talking to your radiographer is important, especially if you have any concerns. If you feel any discomfort during your mammogram you should tell your radiographer. You can ask for the procedure to stop at any time.
