The BreastScreen WA service is required to collect certain client information to ensure a quality service is delivered.

What information is collected?

At your BreastScreen WA appointment, standard information is collected including the following:

Some risk factors identified as increasing your chances of developing breast cancer include:

• Your name, address and age.
• Information about current breast symptoms and previous breast problems.
• Information about your family history of breast cancer. 
• Information about any breast prostheses or breast reductions.
• Information about any investigations or treatment you may have had for breast cancer.
• Your nominated General Practitioner’s name and address.

More clinical detail about your breast health may be collected, as relevant in your specific case.

Use of the electoral roll and other health sources

In order to send invitations to Western Australian women aged 50 or over, BreastScreen WA has been granted permission to obtain information (names, addresses and dates of birth) from the WA State Electoral Roll and other health sources. 

How is the information used?

Your information is used to invite you for screening, provide results and send you rescreen reminders by Email, SMS and Mail. Your results will also be sent to your General Practitioner, if you wish.   

Your other details are used to:

• Monitor the quality of services against National Accreditation Standards set by BreastScreen Australia.
• Ensure that the Program is on track in achieving its aim of reducing deaths and illness from breast cancer.
• Report on the Program’s outcomes so that it is publicly accountable to women and the community.
• Plan for future needs, such as where new services and equipment are required
• Provide a detailed screening history for each woman who attends the Program anywhere in the State which can be used to help their doctor or medical specialist to provide the most appropriate care and treatment if required.
  
• Provide information that will assist breast cancer research.

Research projects are conducted to evaluate and improve the quality of the BreastScreen WA service, to plan for future needs and to investigate breast disease. Researchers who work with BreastScreen WA must follow strict guidelines and maintain the confidentiality of the information and the individual at all times. Women’s names or identifying details are never used in reports, presentations or published statistics.

How is the information stored and protected?

BreastScreen WA adheres to rigorous data security measures to ensure that the personal information (hard-copy and electronic) provided by you, as well as the results from your screening visits and any assessment you might have, are protected from unauthorised use, disclosure or loss.

• BreastScreen WA is part of the WA Health Network and security of the information is monitored and governed by the WA Department of Health. 
• BreastScreen WA staff and other authorised people have a legal obligation to keep your information confidential.
• BreastScreen WA undergoes regular data audits to ensure the quality and accuracy of data it stores.  

"Collection, use and management of your personal information and data" fact sheet can be downloaded here.

My Health Record

BreastScreen WA will upload the results from your screening visits to your My Health Record unless you request otherwise. 
Further information on My Health Record can be found here (external link).

How can I access my medical record?

BreastScreen WA will provide you with comprehensive access to your medical record in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act 1992 (external link). Follow the instructions to request information at: www.kemh.health.wa.gov.au/Patients-and-Visitors/FOI

What happens if you choose not to provide the requested information? 

BreastScreen WA respects a client’s right to withhold information. However, there are some details which the Program requires for basic data entry and client results letters, and screening cannot proceed unless this information is collected.

What if my contact details change?

If your contact details change please advise BreastScreen WA via:
Website: Contact us
Phone: (08) 9323 6700 
Facsimile: (08) 9323 6799