Am I Eligible for a Screening Mammogram?
Breast screening is recommended for women aged 50-74. BreastScreen NSW invites you to have your first screening mammogram at age 50.
Choose your age group to find out where you sit on the breast screening scale!
Age: Under 40
As you are at lower risk of developing breast cancer, breast screens aren’t encouraged for women in your age group. Also, as breast density is higher in women under 40, it can be harder for screening mammograms to detect small cancers.
Age: 40-49
You can attend BreastScreen NSW for a screening mammogram, but breast screening is less effective for women in your age group. You can speak to your GP about whether breast screening is right for you.
Age: 50-74
We recommend you have your free screening mammogram once every two years - look out for your reminder letter from BreastScreen NSW.
Age: Over 74
You can attend BreastScreen NSW for a screening mammogram, however you should speak to your doctor first about whether breast screening is a priority for you.
Breast screening is recommended for women aged 50-74
BreastScreen NSW invites you to have your first screening mammogram at the age of 50. After this, we recommend you have one screening mammogram every two years until the age of 74.
If you’re aged 50-74 and have received a reminder letter from BreastScreen NSW, you can book your breast screen appointment online now
Why does BreastScreen NSW focus on women aged 50-74?
We focus on women aged 50-74 because the majority of breast cancers occur in this age group.
A regular screening mammogram is the most effective way to detect cancer early, when treatment has the best chance of success.
Plus, as breast density is lower in women over 50, it is easier to see small cancers on a screening mammogram. You can find out more about breast density here.
Breast screening for women aged 40-49
If you’re aged 40-49 and haven’t noticed any symptoms, you can attend BreastScreen NSW for a screening mammogram.
However, it’s important to note that breast screening is less effective for women in this age group. This is because the density of breast tissue makes it more difficult to see a cancer on the x-ray, which means you may be asked to come back for further tests.
Find out more about breast density
Remember, most breast cancers occur in women aged over 50, so there are fewer women diagnosed with breast cancer in the 40-50 age group.
Breast screening for women aged over 74
If you’re aged over 74, you can attend BreastScreen NSW for a screening mammogram, but it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor first to see whether breast screening is a priority for you.
Breast screening for women under 40
As you are at lower risk of developing breast cancer if you’re aged under 40, BreastScreen NSW does not offer screening mammograms to women in your age group.
Screening mammograms are also much less effective for women under 40 due to higher breast density, which can make it harder to see small cancers on an x-ray.
If you’re aged under 40 and are concerned about your family history of breast cancer, you should discuss this with your doctor.
If you’d like to find out more, download our brochure I’m under 40. Is it time for a screening mammogram?
What should I do if I find a lump in my breast?
BreastScreen NSW does not offer screening mammograms to women who have symptoms. If you’ve noticed an unusual breast change such as a lump, you should see your doctor straight away – they will advise you on what you should do next.