Common questions related to screening mammograms
What is screening?
Screening is the process of looking for disease, for example breast cancer, in a population of healthy people who have no symptoms of the disease.
What is a screening mammogram?
- A screening mammogram is a low dose X-ray of a woman’s breast
- Screening mammograms are performed on women 40 years or over with no breast symptoms, for the purpose of detecting breast cancer at an early stage before it can be felt or noticed
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What are the differences between a screening mammogram and a diagnostic mammogram?
The key difference is the purpose for which the mammogram is done.
A screening mammogram performed at BreastScreen WA is a free breast X-ray test for women who do not have any breast symptoms. Screening mammograms do not require a doctor’s referral.
A diagnostic mammogram is a more complex X-ray of the breast and is done for the following reasons:
- to evaluate abnormalities seen or suspected on a prior screening mammogram
- to evaluate abnormalities in the breast such as a lump, pain, thickening, nipple discharge or an inexplicable change in breast size or shape
- in circumstances where it is difficult to obtain a clear X-ray by a screening mammogram, such as when a woman has breast implants
A diagnostic mammogram may incur a cost and requires a doctor’s referral to a private or public radiology practice. Diagnostic mammograms are not offered within the BreastScreen WA program, except as part of further assessment following a screening mammogram that shows an abnormal area. 2
Related links
Inside Radiology (external website)
How is a screening mammogram performed?
A specially trained female radiographer will take your mammogram.
Usually two X-rays are taken of each breast; one from the side and one from the top. The whole appointment takes about 20 minutes.
Is a mammogram painful?
To obtain a clear picture and to minimise the radiation dose, the breast is positioned and compressed between two flat plates. This may be uncomfortable, but the compression lasts only a few seconds.
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Is a mammogram harmful?
The risk of getting cancer from a screening mammogram is considered very low. The benefit of early diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer far outweighs the risk of the small amount of radiation received during a screening mammogram.
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Do mammograms cure cancer?
Screening mammograms do not cure cancer or prevent breast cancer from developing in the future, nor are they 100% accurate. However, in women aged 50 to 69 years, screening mammography is the best way of detecting unsuspected cancer at an early stage. 2
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At what age does BreastScreen WA encourage women to start having screening mammograms?
BreastScreen WA is targeted specifically at women without symptoms aged 50 to 69 years where the evidence shows screening has the greatest potential to prevent mortality from breast cancer. Women aged 40 to 49 and 70 years or over, who have no breast symptoms, are also eligible for free screening mammograms. 2
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Can I have a screening mammogram if I:
- am a woman under 40 years?
Women under 40 years are not eligible to attend a screening mammogram at BreastScreen WA. Young women under 40 years have much denser breast tissue than older women, so it is more difficult for screening mammograms to show the changes that may indicate cancer. BreastScreen WA encourages all women to be aware of the look and feel of their breasts and to discuss any issues with their GP.
- am a women over 70 years?
Once a woman turns 70, she is no longer sent a reminder letter to attend for a mammogram. However, they are welcome to ring BreastScreen WA for an appointment.
- have a family history of breast cancer, but am under 40 years of age?
While having a family history of breast cancer can increase your risk, it is important to note that 9 out of 10 women who develop breast cancer do not have a family history of the disease.
The National Breast Cancer Centre has developed guidelines titled Do you have breast cancer in your family [PDF / 190KB] to help you work out if you have an increased chance of developing this disease. 2
- have breast implants?
Women with implants are able to attend BreastScreen WA if they wish. It is important that BreastScreen WA knows if you have implants as special X-ray techniques will be used, more X-rays will be taken and extra time will be needed. Please tell the call centre person when making an appointment and also advise the screening centre staff when you arrive for your screening appointment.
- am a woman with a disability?
All BreastScreen WA services provide access for women with disabilities. Extended appointment times and wheelchair access are some of the ways BreastScreen WA can meet your individual needs.
Please advise the call centre staff of your specific requirements at the time of making your appointment so we can book an extended appointment if necessary.
Some women who use wheelchairs are unable to be positioned appropriately for a complete mammogram. It is important that you are independently able to hold your head up and hold your arms clear of both your chest and the breast support table while the mammogram is taken. The whole appointment takes about 30 minutes.
For women unable to have a complete mammogram other techniques such as ultrasound and thorough clinical examination may be more appropriate. You should discuss these options with your family doctor/GP.
- am breastfeeding?
You should generally wait six months after you have stopped breastfeeding to have a mammogram, as the image can be harder to read and you may also experience increased discomfort. If you think you have any symptoms of breast cancer you should see your family doctor/GP who may refer you for diagnostic procedures. 2
- am pregnant?
It is advised you wait until after pregnancy to have a screening mammogram. This is because there would be scattered radiation to the foetus. Also the breast tissue is very dense during pregnancy (and breastfeeding) which significantly reduces the sensitivity of mammography. 2
Related links
- Women under 40 years [PDF / 97KB]
- Family history of breast cancer [PDF / 156KB]
- Women with implants [PDF / 193KB]
- Women with disabilities [PDF / 253KB]
- 2 BreastScreen Australia 2007
How often should I have a screening mammogram?
Every two years. Remember, once is not enough.
Regular screening mammograms every two years assists in detecting any unusual changes in your breasts at an early stage.
There are some cancers that cannot be detected by screening mammograms. See your family doctor/GP promptly if you notice any unusual changes in your breasts such as lumps, nipple discharge or persistent new breast pain, even if your last screening mammogram was normal.
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Where can I go and how do I book to have a mammogram?
BreastScreen WA is Western Australia’s only accredited FREE screening mammography service.
To make a FREE screening mammogram appointment phone 13 20 50 (for the cost of a local call) TTY 1800 241 708. If you need an interpreter, please call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) first on 13 14 50 and ask to be connected to the BreastScreen WA call centre on 13 20 50.
How do I update my contact details at BreastScreen WA?
Please phone BreastScreen WA on 13 20 50, for the cost of a local call, to update your contact details.
Is thermography as effective as having a mammogram?
The BreastScreen Australia Program does not recommend the use of thermography for the early detection of breast cancer.
Related links
2 BreastScreen
Australia 2007
BreastScreen
WA Thermography Statement [PDF / 73KB]
Is computerised/mechanical breast imaging as effective as having a mammogram?
The BreastScreen Australia Program does not recommend the use of computerised/mechanical breast imaging as an alternative to screening mammograms.
Related Links
BreastScreen SA Position Statement
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