Women with a disability

Information on access for women with disabilities

Providing a quality service to meet individual needs

BreastScreen WA is a fully accredited partner in the BreastScreen Australia Program that provides a FREE, high quality screening mammography and assessment service for all eligible women in Western Australia.

BreastScreen WA is committed to equal access for women with disabilities.

When should I have a screening mammogram?

A mammogram may detect a very small cancer before you or your doctor can feel it.

BreastScreen WA provides FREE screening mammograms to women 40 years or over with no breast symptoms, and specifically targets women aged 50 to 74 years.

BreastScreen WA encourages women aged 50 to 74 years to have a FREE screening mammogram every two years.

The benefit from having a screening mammogram every two years is greatest for women in this age group. Over 75 percent of breast cancers occur in women over 50 years of age.

Women aged 75 years and over are still welcome to attend BreastScreen WA for a free screening mammogram every two years. While they are not actively recruited, the risk of breast cancer continues with age. Women over 75, may have other health priorities, but are encouraged to continue to have mammograms.

About your screening mammogram

A screening mammogram is a low dose X-ray of a woman’s breast. Screening mammograms are performed on women with no breast symptoms, for the purpose of detecting breast cancer at an early stage before it can be felt or noticed.Finding a cancer at an early stage improves the chance of successful treatment.

What does a mammogram involve?

A specially trained female radiographer will take your mammogram.

Usually two X-rays are taken of each breast. To obtain a clear picture and to minimise the radiation dose, the breast is positioned and compressed. This may be uncomfortable, but lasts only a few seconds.

Some women who use wheelchairs are unable to be positioned appropriately for a complete mammogram.

It is important that you are independently able to hold your head up and hold your arms clear of both your chest and the breast support table while the mammogram is taken.

The whole appointment takes about 30 minutes.

For women unable to have a complete mammogram other techniques such as ultrasound and thorough clinical examination may be more appropriate. You should discuss these options with your GP.

Your decision

Some women may feel embarrassed about having a mammogram. BreastScreen WA respects each woman’s privacy and dignity. The choice to have a screening mammogram is yours. In making this decision you may wish to discuss your individual circumstances with your doctor.

Where can I have a FREE screening mammogram?

All BreastScreen WA's nine metroploitan clinics are accessible for women with disabilities.

See clinic locations.

Extended appointment times and wheelchair access are some of the ways we can meet your individual needs.

Please call 13 20 50 to make an appointment. Advise the call centre staff of your specific requirements at the time of making your appointment so we can book an extended appointment or arrange an interpreter if necessary.

Screening mammography services in rural WA

The mobile screening services that visit outer metropolitan and rural areas are equipped with a wheelchair lift.

Check your local media or the BreastScreen WA website for mobile screening unit visit dates.

There is a permanent regional screening and assessment service at: 
Bunbury South West Health Campus, Corner of Bussell Highway and Robertson Drive, Bunbury.

Last Updated: 01/05/2018