What is breast cancer screening?
BreastScreen Australia is the national breast cancer screening program and it is available to all Australia women aged between 40 and 74 years.
Every state and territory operates a BreastScreen Australia service, here in Western Australia it is BreastScreen WA.
BreastScreen WA invites women aged between 50 and 74 years to have a free mammogram every two years. Women aged between 40 and 49 need to contact BreastScreen WA to join the program.
A screening mammogram (mammography) takes an x-ray picture of the breast, which can find breast cancers early, before they can be seen or felt.
BreastScreen is a free service and does not require a doctor’s referral.
Why participate in breast cancer screening?
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women in Australia. The chances of getting breast cancer increases with age, and one in seven women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.
Regular breast cancer screening via mammogram reduces the number of women who die from breast cancer. Finding breast cancer early can mean that the cancer is smaller, less likely to have spread to other parts of the body and can be more easily and effectively treated.
Based on the best available evidence, women are encouraged to participate in the BreastScreen program but there are benefits and limitations to breast cancer screening so it’s important you have all the information before deciding whether to participate in the national program and at what age you want to commence. Discussing breast cancer screening with your doctor can help you understand your breast cancer risk and to make decisions about your participation in the program.
You can find more information on both the benefits and the harms of screening mammography here.

Who is eligible for National Breast Screening Program?
Women aged 50 to 74 years are invited to have a free mammogram every two years.
Women aged between 40 and 49 years, and women over 75 years and over, are still eligible for free breast screening but will not receive an invitation in the mail.
How does breast cancer screening work?
A breast screening mammogram is done by a specially trained female radiographer using an X-ray machine. During the screening mammogram, one breast at a time is placed between two plates and pressed firmly for around 10 seconds to take a clear picture of the breast tissue. Two X-rays are taken of each breast, one from the side and one from the top.
The mammogram images are reviewed by at least two specially trained doctors (radiologists). Results will be sent to you via mail, SMS or email after two to three weeks, and to your nominated healthcare provider.