At the appointment
Women 40 years or over can phone 13 20 50 to make a FREE screening mammogram appointment every two years.
- A mammogram only takes a few minutes
- The whole appointment takes about half an hour
- A doctor’s referral is not necessary
When you attend a BreastScreen WA screening service it is recommended to wear a two piece outfit, such as a skirt or trousers and shirt and also avoid using talcum powder or deodorant.
When you arrive at BreastScreen WA the following process will take place:
- On arrival, every woman is asked to fill in personal information. There will be consent forms for you to read and sign
- You will be taken to a change room and be asked to remove your bra and put your top back on, or if you require, a disposable gown is available
- Once you have changed into a gown, a female radiographer will take you into the X-ray room and ask you some questions
- After the radiographer has explained how the mammogram is taken, the radiographer will adjust the height of the X-ray machine to match your height and shape
- Each breast is compressed between two plates to get a clear picture of the breast tissue and to minimise the radiation dose. This may be uncomfortable, but the compression lasts only a few seconds. Two X-rays are taken of each breast: one from the side and one from the top
- You will be asked to wait until the radiographer has checked the X-rays for technical quality
- The radiographer will let you know when the examination is complete and you are able to leave
- Your X-rays are reviewed by at least two specially trained doctors and results sent to you usually within 14 working days
- It is not uncommon for women to be called back for further X-rays. If this is necessary a Breast Assessment Nurse from BreastScreen WA will phone to discuss this with you
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