BreastScreen SA acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout South Australia, and their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respect to all First Nations peoples, their cultures and to their Elders, past and present.

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As an Aboriginal woman, it's important you have a breast screen every 2 years from the age of 40.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. The best time to treat breast cancer is when it is still very small. When breast cancer is found early, it is easier to treat, and most women recover and go back to their normal lives.

What is a breast screen?

A breast screen (also known as a mammogram) is an x-ray of the breasts. It can find cancers that are too small to feel.

  • It’s free
  • It takes 15 minutes
  • Is available in metropolitan, rural and remote South Australia
  • You do not need a doctor’s referral

We want you to feel as comfortable as possible during your breast screen and we will treat you with respect and care. Our screening staff are all women, and we acknowledge your cultural and individual needs.

Group bookings

If you live near a BreastScreen SA clinic, we can organise group bookings with your Aboriginal health service or community group. If you live in a regional or remote community, our mobile screening units visit your area every 2 years. We can help by organising group bookings at our mobile unit locations so that you can travel together and support each other.

Special events

BreastScreen SA has a dedicated project officer for Aboriginal engagement, who can run special events, visit communities and health services, or attend health expos or days to talk about the importance of breast cancer screening in Aboriginal communities.

Please contact our Communications & Engagement Team via email at BSSAComms@sa.gov.au for further information.

Beautiful shawls, t-shirts, and scarves

Aboriginal women who screen with BreastScreen SA through their health service are often provided with a gift such as beautiful shawl, t-shirt or scarf featuring the artwork of local Aboriginal women.

Shanna shares her breast screening story

“You know that you can start screening from 40, so make sure that you do, and do it every 2 years. And if you get a reminder, go back. Just don’t muck around, take good care of yourself.”

In this video, BreastScreen SA ambassador Shanna Canuto shares her breast screening story.

Meet BreastScreen SA ambassador Aunty Martha

Breast awareness

Breast awareness is important for women of all ages. Women should get to know the normal look and feel of their breasts, so that they can detect any new breast changes.

Screening with BreastScreen SA is for women with no symptoms. If you notice any changes in your breasts, such as a lump, pain, or nipple discharge, please see your doctor or health worker as soon as possible.

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