About Screening Mammograms: FAQs

Everything you need to know about breast screening, including information on mammogram results, breast screening eligibility and BreastScreen NSW locations.

Why is early detection of breast cancer important?

What is a screening mammogram?

Who is eligible for a screening mammogram?

How much does a screening mammogram cost?

Where can I get my screening mammogram?

How do I book a screening mammogram with BreastScreen NSW?

What will you ask me?

Are screening mammograms 100% accurate?

When will I get my screening mammogram results?

 

Why is early detection of breast cancer important?

Breast cancer treatment is most effective when cancers are still small. Early detection can mean treatment of breast cancer is less invasive, survival rates are better, and women can get back to their normal lives more quickly.

Read more about the benefits of screening mammograms

What is a screening mammogram?

A screening mammogram (also called a breast screen) is an x-ray of your breasts. The x-ray pictures can detect the presence of breast cancers before they can be seen or felt. 

Go to About Screening Mammograms to learn more about breast screening.

Who is eligible for a screening mammogram?

BreastScreen NSW invites you to have your first screening mammogram at the age of 50. After this, we recommend you have a screening mammogram once every two years, up to the age of 74.

To find out more about breast screening for different age groups, go to Am I Eligible for a Mammogram?

How much does a screening mammogram cost?

Your screening mammogram with BreastScreen NSW is completely free. 

Where can I get my screening mammogram? 

BreastScreen NSW has many service locations where you can receive your free screening mammogram. These include hospitals, shopping centres and mobile vans.

Click here to find your nearest BreastScreen NSW service

How do I book a screening mammogram with BreastScreen NSW?

What will you ask me?

We ask every person who books an appointment if they have breast implants or if they have had breast surgery. These questions are asked because they may affect the appearance of your screening images.

Are screening mammograms 100% accurate?

Screening mammograms are the most effective method of finding breast cancer early in women aged over 50. However, it’s important to be aware that screening mammograms are not 100% accurate; in a small number of cases, a screening mammogram will look normal even if breast cancer is present.

Get more information on the potential limitations of breast screening

When will I get my screening mammogram results?

The results of your screening mammogram will be sent to you around two weeks after your breast screen appointment. 

If you don’t receive your results or if you have any concerns, you can call BreastScreen NSW on 13 20 50.

Read more about what happens after your screening mammogram

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