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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Radiation is a natural part of our environment. It comes from cosmic rays, radioactive materials in rocks and soil, a naturally occurring radioactive gas radon in the air, all human food sources including drinking water and even from our body. Importantly, not all levels of a radiation dose are harmful.

Breast screens (screening mammograms) deliver a very small dose of radiation to check if there might be a breast cancer. The radiation risk from mammograms is negligible for adults and the levels of radiation are safe and well within the Australian guidelines.

The average dose from a breast screen is comparable to the amount of radiation a person would receive from four return flights from Australia to London, or three months exposure to naturally occurring radiation in the environment.

Compared to other medical tests involving exposure to radiation, mammograms have one of the lowest radiation doses.

Research shows that the benefits of screening mammograms far outweigh the risks from radiation. Women diagnosed through BreastScreen Australia have a 69% lower risk of dying from breast cancer than those who have never screened (AIHW, 2018).

At each BreastScreen SA clinic, the mammogram machines are routinely monitored and tested to ensure the radiation is within acceptable levels.

Thyroid cancer concerns

The thyroid is not exposed to the direct x-ray beam during a breast screen.

The radiation dose to the thyroid is incredibly low, and scientific literature does not support an increased likelihood of developing thyroid cancer.

We do not recommend the use of thyroid shields during screening.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

While radiation exposure is not a risk for pregnancy, we do not provide breast screens for women who are either pregnant or breastfeeding. This is due to the increased oestragen levels which cause increased breast tissue and higher breast density, therefore reducing the sensitivity and accuracy of a screening mammogram.

You will need to wait 6 months after stopping breastfeeding before booking your breast screen, this will allow time for your breast tissue to return to ‘normal’.

If you have any new or changing breast symptoms during pregnancy or breastfeeding it is important that you see your doctor as soon as possible.