7 common questions about breast screening

Screening is the best way to detect breast cancer early, even before any symptoms are noticed.

Thankfully, Australia has a free nationwide breast screening program: BreastScreen. Women aged 40 and above can have a free breast screen every two years, and women aged 50-74 are actively invited for their free breast screening every two years.

As breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Australia (apart from common skin cancers), here are seven things everyone should know about breast screening.

1. How common is breast cancer?

Breast cancer doesn’t discriminate, with about 20,000 people diagnosed in Australia each year.

In NSW, one in seven women will face a breast cancer diagnosis in their lifetime.

About 160 Australian men are diagnosed with breast cancer each year – most aged over 50.

2. What is BreastScreen?

BreastScreen Australia, is the national breast screening program. The program is jointly funded by federal and state governments, and delivered by the states and territories.

This means that, to book an appointment in NSW, you should visit the BreastScreen NSW website.

Remember, being screened for breast cancer when you don’t have symptoms, can help find breast cancer early, when it is smaller and easier to treat.

3. What is a mammogram? 

Screening for breast cancer through BreastScreen involves having a mammogram, which is a low-dose x-ray your breasts.

Mammograms can reveal changes in breast tissue that can’t be felt during a physical examination.

Women are recommended to have a mammogram every two years from age 50 or earlier if advised by a GP.

4. What are the risk factors?

Certain factors can increase your risk of breast cancer, but they do not mean that you will develop it.

The biggest risk factor is being female, as 99% of breast cancer cases are diagnosed in women. Age is another risk factor, as roughly three quarters of cases are in women over 50.

Other risk factors include having a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, being overweight, drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, and not being physically active.

Genetic predispositions and certain therapies, like menopause hormone therapy, may also elevate your risk of developing breast cancer.

To learn more, visit our breast cancer information page.

5. How do you reduce your risk?

Adjusting your lifestyle is the most effective way to lower your risk of breast cancer. This includes maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, and limiting the amount of alcohol you drink.

The evidence suggests that you should drink no more than 10 standard drinks a week and no more than four on any one day.

6. Why is early detection so important?

When breast cancer is detected early, it significantly improves the chances that it can be successfully treated. This makes it so important to have a mammogram with BreastScreen every two years.

In between mammograms, it also helps to regularly check your breasts for changes.

To check your, look at them in a mirror and feel them from time to time. Knowing what is normal for you will help you find any new or unusual changes.

Self-examination

Be vigilant for changes such as new lumps, alterations in breast size or shape, nipple changes, unusual discharge, skin changes, or armpit discomfort.

7. When should you see your GP 

Not all breast changes signal cancer. But if you notice any new or unusual changes, we recommend that you see your GP promptly for professional advice.

By staying informed and proactive, women can significantly improve their chances of early detection and successful treatment.

Remember, BreastScreen NSW is just a call away at 13 20 50 or visit breastscreen.nsw.gov.au for more information and support.

To learn more about breast cancer such as symptoms and risk factors, visit our breast cancer information page.

If you need to talk about cancer, call Cancer Council on 13 11 20.