What happens after my screening mammogram with BreastScreen WA?

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Congratulations on having this important health check!

Screening mammograms (breast X-ray) can detect 70-90% of breast cancers. However, there are a small number of cancers that cannot be seen on a mammogram.

If you notice any changes in your breasts such as lumps, nipple discharge or persistent new breast pain, please see your GP promptly, even if your last mammogram showed no signs of breast cancer. Benign changes, such as cysts, are often seen on a mammogram but will only be reported to you if further tests are needed.

There is a chance that mammography will either miss a change due to breast cancer (false negative) or that further tests will be performed to examine a change that is not due to breast cancer (false positive).

What about my results?

Your images will be read by two radiologists. Every effort is made to ensure that your results are posted in the mail or sent electronically usually within two to three weeks. Please note, due to heavy demand of the service, results can take up to 3-4 weeks.
A copy is also sent to the GP that you nominate unless you have requested otherwise. With your consent your mammogram results will be included in your My Health Record.

Dense breasts

Some breast X-rays may show that breast tissue is dense. If you have dense breasts, this will be indicated in your results letter. This is normal. Breasts are usually denser in younger women. They naturally become less dense as the breasts change with increasing age and the glandular tissue decreases. When breasts are dense on an X-ray it is more difficult to see abnormal changes, including the early signs of breast cancer. Therefore, it is important for you to have a careful breast examination by your doctor as well as the breast X-rays.

If you have nominated a General Practitioner for result notifications, they will receive a similar letter and will be expecting to see you. Please contact your GP to make an appointment to have a breast check.

If you have any concerns you may Contact Us or phone (08) 9323 6700.

What if I need additional X-rays?

Repeat breast X-rays Very occasionally the radiologist will request a repeat X-ray if the picture produced is not clear enough. If this is necessary, you will receive a phone call or letter requesting you return to a BreastScreen WA screening clinic.

Further breast X-rays About 1 in 20 women are asked to come back for further breast X-rays. These X-rays will focus on the area of the breast that needs to be examined in more detail. If this is necessary BreastScreen WA will contact you to make an appointment. All women who require further tests have the choice of being referred straight to one of our Breast Assessment Centres or seeing their GP.

Women living in the metropolitan area Further breast X-rays are performed at one of BreastScreen WA’s Breast Assessment Centres, located at Fiona Stanley, Royal Perth and Sir Charles Gairdner Hospitals, or our standalone assessment centre in Joondalup. Often these further breast X-rays will show there is no problem. A small number of women need some additional tests, such as an ultrasound or biopsy. These tests are carried out on the same day as the further breast X-rays.

Women living in country WA Further breast X-rays are performed at the mobile service. BreastScreen WA will contact you to let you know whether or not any additional tests will be needed. There is a permanent regional screening and assessment service at Bunbury South West Health Campus. Rural women may be eligible for assistance from the Patient Assisted Travel Scheme (PATS).

It is important to remember that most women who have further tests do not have cancer. For the few women with cancer, early detection will greatly improve the chance of successful treatment. Small breast cancers can often be treated by less extensive surgery than that required for large cancers.

More information about getting further tests.

What happens next?

BreastScreen WA will send you a letter when you are due for your next mammogram. If for some reason you do not receive a letter, please phone us on 13 20 50* and we will arrange an appointment for you.

The mammogram images you have had taken with BreastScreen WA are store securely for comparison with future breast screens.

Women aged 75 years and over do not receive a reminder letter, but are welcome to book online or phone 13 20 50* for an appointment. If you change your address please update your details with the Online Booking portal, Contact Us or phone 13 20 50* and let us know. (*for the cost of a local call)

What else should I do?

Women 40 years or over can have a FREE mammogram every two years and we actively invite women aged 50-74 to screen.

• If you are screened regularly any breast cancer detected is likely to be at an early stage.   
• Only between 1–5% of women may require an annual screening mammogram. More information can be found on the BreastScreen WA website.   
• If you have previously had breast cancer it is important to see your GP for regular follow up and have an annual screening mammogram.

Be breast aware

• 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.   
• Contact your GP promptly if you notice any unusual changes in your breasts.   
• Ask your GP about breast health at your next check-up.

Changes which must not be ignored include: 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.

Do you have any questions?

Contact your GP or phone:

BreastScreen WA on 13 20 50 for appointments, 13 14 50 Translating Interpreting Service (TIS), (08) 9323 6700 for information

Contact Us