BreastScreen WA is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible service to all eligible Western Australians.

Who can have a screening mammogram?

You are eligible for a screening mammogram with BreastScreen WA if you:

• Are 40 years or older
• Have breast or chest tissue
• Were assigned female at birth
• Are eligible for a Medicare Card
• Have no new breast or chest symptoms

Having regular screening mammograms is one of the best ways to find breast cancer early and improve your chance of survival.

What are the risk factors for developing breast cancer?

• Sex: being assigned/presumed female at birth increases your risk of breast cancer
• Age: the risk of breast cancer increases with age
• Some lifestyle factors can increase your risk of breast cancer. Click here for more information.

Are you breast and chest aware?

BreastScreen WA recommends that you get to know the usual look and feel of your breast or chest tissue.

If you notice any of the following unusual changes, contact your GP/family doctor without delay.

• A change to the size or shape of your breast or chest tissue
• A lump, lumpiness or thickening in the breast/chest tissue or armpit
• A change in the nipple such as inversion, new nipple discharge, itchy or ulcerated skin
• Changes in the skin of the breast or chest tissue such as dimpling, puckering or redness
• Any area of the breast or chest tissue that feels different from the rest
• New persistent pain in the breast or anterior chest region

Can trans men have screening mammograms?

If you have not had chest surgery (bilateral mastectomy), and are over 40, screening mammograms are recommended every two years. If you have had chest surgery (bilateral mastectomy), visit your GP/family doctor to discuss your screening needs and determine if you need an examination of any remaining chest tissue.

Can trans women have screening mammograms?

The risk of developing breast cancer is very low for transgender women, even if you been taking gender affirming hormones for a number of years. Having breast implants does not increase your risk of breast cancer. BreastScreen WA does not recommend screening mammograms for transgender women.

If you are taking gender affirming hormones, talk to your doctor about your breast health. If you notice any unusual changes to your breast tissue, please see your GP/family doctor without delay.

Can non-binary people have screening mammograms?

Yes. If they are assigned female at birth, and have not had chest surgery (bilateral mastectomy). We want to make your visit as comfortable as possible. Please let staff know what your preferred terms are for describing your chest tissue when you visit us.