Show Up Campaign 2025
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Jodie |
Melanie |
Leanne |
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“I had no sign or symptoms of breast cancer before I was diagnosed at 46. It came as a complete shock – I had no idea and no family history.” |
“By having a mammogram and them finding breast cancer really early, it literally saved my life.” | “Family and work and life gets in the way. But if you don’t make that time for yourself, then sometimes life has a way of making you make time.” |
Why it's so important to show up
Early detection saves lives
Mammograms aren’t comfy, but they play a crucial role in early detection of breast cancer. Show up for peace of mind.
Most breast cancer has no family history
Over 90% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history. Show up for those you love.
20 minutes could change your life
A screening mammogram can take just 20 minutes out of your busy day. Show up for a moment and put yourself first.
What to expect
Your screening mammogram appointment is designed to be quick and easy.
Here’s what you can expect on the day:
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Arrival and registration: Read and fill in consent forms.
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Changing: Change rooms are available for you to remove your bra and put your top back on, or wear a provided disposable gown.
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Pre-examination: A female radiographer will take you into the X-ray room and ask you some questions.
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Procedure: The X-ray machine will be adjusted for your height and body shape. Each breast is then compressed between two plates to take clear images. Usually, two X-rays per breast are taken. The compression may feel uncomfortable but only lasts a few seconds.
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After the X-ray: The radiographer will check the images for quality and let you know when you’re free to leave.
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Results: Results will be sent via SMS or mail within 2-3 weeks, but this may take longer. With your consent, your doctor will also receive the results. If further tests are required, BreastScreen WA will phone you directly. This is common and doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong
FAQs
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 only lasts a few seconds.
Compression improves mammograms because:
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Compression holds the breast firmly which reduces movement and blurring
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Compression spreads the breast tissue so that small changes are less likely to be hidden
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Compression flattens the breast to an even thickness so that only a low dose of radiation is needed to see through the breast tissue
How long does a mammogram take?
A mammogram appointment typically takes around 20 minutes, with the procedure itself only taking a few minutes to complete.
Why are screening mammograms important?
Screening mammograms are performed on women 40 years or older with no breast symptoms every two years, for the purpose of detecting breast cancer at an early age before it can be felt or noticed.
Did you know?
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Women in Australia have a 1 in 7 risk of developing breast cancer in their lifetime
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The risk of breast cancer increases with age
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A mammogram can detect 70-90 per cent of breast cancers
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Screening mammograms may detect a very small cancer, as small as a grain of rice, before you or your doctor can feel it
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Breast cancer cannot be prevented, but the earlier a breast cancer is detected, the better the chance of successful treatment
Who can have a screening mammogram?
BreastScreen WA provides FREE screening mammograms to Western Australian women 40 years or older with no breast symptoms every two years.
Over 75 per cent of breast cancers occur in women over 50 years of age.
Show your support
Encouraging people to show up for their health and wellbeing can be life-changing.
Help us to encourage greater awareness about the importance of screening mammograms and breast awareness by sharing the Show Up message in your workplace.