5 reasons you should book your next breast screen

Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in women in Australia, aside from common skin cancers.

In 2023, almost 21,000 people were expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer across the country.

Screening plays a crucial role in early detection, and early detection save lives.

Here are five reasons why you should book your next breast screen. 

1. Early detection could save your life

Approximately 17,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year in Australia.

When breast cancer is detected early, women have a much greater chance of being treated successfully.

Regularly checking your breasts and having screening mammograms can help find breast cancer early. A breast screen can find very small cancers – the size of a grain of rice – before they can be felt or noticed by you or your doctor.

2. It’s quick, simple and free!

A mammogram lasts 20 minutes, so it’s quick and simple. Not to mention, Australia has a free nationwide breast screening program called BreastScreen.

Women aged 40 and above can have a free breast screen every two years, and women aged 50-74 are actively invited for their free breast screening every two years.

Call BreastScreen NSW on 13 20 50 to book a free mammogram or visit breastreastscreen.nsw.gov.au for more information.

3. Breast screening is completely safe

Breast screening is very safe, particularly the services of BreastScreen NSW.

They’ve got the latest equipment, which uses low dose radiation. This is the smallest amount of radiation possible while still getting a high-quality picture – less than a standard chest X-ray.

4. You’ll have peace of mind

It’s empowering to take steps in looking after your own health by getting a breast screening.

If everything is okay, you’ll feel relieved. And if something needs attention, you can act right away.

5. It helps you understand your breast cancer risk

Breast cancer is most common in women aged 50 or older, but it can be diagnosed in younger women. That is why it is so important to have screening mammograms and regularly check your breasts.

To check your breasts for changes, look at them in a mirror and feel them from time to time. Knowing what is normal for you will help you find any new or unusual changes. Other risk factors include having a mother or sister with breast or ovarian cancer, being overweight or gaining weight after menopause, drinking alcohol, and not being physically active.

A small number of women may have inherited a gene fault that increases their breast cancer risk. Using menopause hormone therapy (MHT) that contains both oestrogen and progesterone can also increase the risk of breast cancer. Having risk factors does not mean that you will develop breast cancer.

When you talk to your doctor about breast screening, ask them about positive lifestyle choices that can help decrease your breast cancer risk.

BONUS: See your GP if you notice any of these signs

• A new lump or lumpiness
• A change in the size or shape of the breast
• A change to the nipple, such as crusting, ulcers or sores, redness or inversion
• A clear or bloody discharge from the nipple that occurs without squeezing
• A change in the skin of the breast, such as redness or dimpling
• Swelling or discomfort in the armpit

It’s important to know that most breast changes aren’t caused by cancer, but if you do notice any change, see your GP.

Remember, BreastScreen NSW is just a call away at 13 20 50 or visit breastscreen.nsw.gov.au for more information and support.

To learn more about breast cancer such as symptoms and risk factors, visit our breast cancer information page.

If you need to talk about cancer, call Cancer Council on 13 11 20.