Breast awareness

BreastScreen WA provides FREE screening mammograms to women 40 years or over with no breast symptoms, and specifically targets women aged 50-74 years. BreastScreen WA encourages women aged 50-74 years to have a FREE screening mammogram every two years. BreastScreen WA recommends that all women are Breast Aware.  Most breast changes are not breast cancer, however it is important to have any changes checked by your GP.

What should I be aware of?

Woman checking her breasts in the mirror
Breasts come in all shapes and sizes and will change throughout your life. Your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, age and weight may alter the size, shape and feel of your breasts.

Get to know your own breasts so that you will know what is normal for you. Look in the mirror at your breasts and feel your breasts from time to time. Ask your GP about breast health at your next check-up.

See your GP promptly if you notice any of the following unusual breast changes:

  • A lump, lumpiness or thickening in the breast or armpit
  • Changes in the nipple such as inversion, new nipple discharge, itchy or ulcerated skin
  • Changes in the skin of the breast such as dimpling, puckering or redness
  • An area of the breast that feels different from the rest
  • New persistent breast pain
     

What 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. More information for women under 40.

What if I am a woman over 75 years?

Women 75 years and over are no longer sent reminder letters to attend for a mammogram. However, you are welcome to ring BreastScreen WA for an appointment prior to your due date. More information for women over 75.

What if I am a woman with:

Book online or phone 13 20 50

When making your appointment, please let us know if you:

  1. have breast implants
  2. require an interpreter
  3. use a wheelchair.

These things may make your appointment a little longer.

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.

NOTE:

Wheelchair access is available at all BreastScreen WA services.

Appointments are available 7:30am-5:45pm on weekdays and 8:15am-11:30am on Saturdays at most BreastScreen WA clinics.

Get to know your breasts and what is normal for you. Look in the mirror at your breasts and feel your breasts from time to time.

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, please see your GP promptly.

Ask your GP about breast health at your next check-up.

Use our contact form or call BreastScreen WA on:

13 20 50 for appointments

9323 6700 for information

Last Updated: 28/02/2023