All asymptomatic women aged 40 and over are eligible for a free breast screen.
BreastScreen SA recommends women aged 50 to 74 have a breast screen every 2 years. Women with a strong family history of breast cancer are encouraged to screen from age 40.
Women do not require a doctor’s referral to have a screening mammogram. However, a recommendation from their doctor to have regular breast screens is motivating and highly regarded.
Symptomatic women
Women with symptoms of breast cancer (e.g. breast lumps, nipple discharge) require a referral for diagnostic breast imaging rather than a screening mammogram.
Screening mammography is not an appropriate test for the investigation of new or changing breast symptoms.
Screening intervals
Women aged 50 to 74 are recommended to have a breast screen every 2 years.
It is recommended that some women screen every year if they fall into a higher risk category. After a woman’s first appointment, we may recommend annual screening.
As a health professional, you may be asked about screening intervals. Here are some risk factors which we consider when recommending an annual breast screen:
- Women with a previous diagnosis of breast cancer can return to BreastScreen SA 5 years after their cancer treatment with the consent of their treating specialist. We offer annual screening for women with a history of breast cancer.
- Women with a strong family history are routinely offered annual screening mammograms
- If recommended by a designated radiologist and/or multidisciplinary team within BreastScreen SA, a woman can have a breast screen every year
To assess a woman’s breast cancer risk, there are several risk assessment tools available, including;
BreastScreen SA reports on our client’s breast density category to use in the risk assessment tools.
To discuss a client’s screening interval, contact us on 13 20 50.
Visit our FAQs page for common questions from clients about eligibility and screening.