Breast screening
Understand the process
What is a breast screen?
A breast screen (also known as a screening mammogram) is an x-ray of your breasts to check for breast cancer. It is currently the most effective screening test for breast cancer for women who have no symptoms of breast cancer.
How long are my breasts compressed during a breast screen?
The machine will press firmly on your breasts for 10 to 15 seconds, taking a minimum of 2 images of each breast. This brief compression may be uncomfortable but should not be painful.
I’ve screened once. Do I need to screen again?
Yes. Women aged 50 to 74 are recommended to have a breast screen every 2 years. If you have screened once, we will send you a reminder when you are next due for a breast screen.
How often should I get a breast screen?
Women aged 50 to 74 are recommended to have a breast screen every 2 years. We will send you a reminder when you are due for your breast screen.
I am travelling soon. How will I get my results?
If you plan to travel after your breast screen, please tell our booking staff when you make your appointment on 13 20 50 so we know where to send your results. It is important that you do not travel 2-4 weeks after your breast screen in case you need further tests.
Do I need a doctor’s referral to get a breast screen?
No, you don’t need a doctor’s referral. You can book online or call 13 20 50 to make an appointment. Please bring your doctor’s details to your breast screen, we will send them a copy of your results.
I have a doctor’s referral to investigate a new breast symptom. Can I come to BreastScreen SA?
No. A doctor’s referral to investigate a new breast symptom is usually for different imaging tests (diagnostic mammography, ultrasound, clinical exam and/or biopsy) to fully investigate the symptom. These tests are not provided at the time of screening at BreastScreen SA. We provide screening mammography, which is not an appropriate test for the investigation of new or changing symptoms. You can call 13 20 50 and speak with one of our friendly medical officers if you have received a referral to BreastScreen SA.
What does a breast screen cost?
All breast screens with BreastScreen SA are free.
Will the radiographer be female?
Yes, all BreastScreen SA radiographers (the staff performing the breast screen) are female.
Do you offer thermal imaging?
No, we do not provide thermal breast imaging as breast thermography is not recommended by the BreastScreen Australia program or The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR) to detect breast cancer early. Studies have shown that a tumour must be large before it can be detected by thermography, screening mammograms can detect breast cancer when it is much smaller.
Do you offer ultrasounds?
BreastScreen SA only provides mammography at our screening clinics. Evidence shows that this is the most effective screening test for finding breast cancer early. Women who are recalled to BreastScreen SA for further tests may have a breast ultrasound.
I’m worried about the exposure to radiation. Are breast screens safe?
Breast screens (screening mammograms) deliver a very small dose of radiation to detect breast cancer. The radiation risk from mammograms is negligible for adults and the levels of radiation are safe and well within Australian guidelines.
Will the breast screen hurt?
A breast screen may be uncomfortable but should not be painful. Your radiographer will work with you to make sure that the breast screen is as comfortable as possible.
Will a breast screen harm my breasts?
The brief compression used during your breast screen is important to get a clear x-ray image. The machine will press firmly on your breast for 10 to 15 seconds. There is no evidence that compression causes harm to your breasts. Please let our staff know if anything worries you during your screen, they will do their best to make you more comfortable.