After Your Screening Mammogram: FAQs
Find out more about what results you might get from your screening mammogram, what a normal breast screen result means, and what happens if you need further tests.
When will I receive my results?
How is my screening mammogram assessed?
What does a normal result mean?
What happens if my result isn’t normal?
What does an assessment involve?
When will I get the results of my assessment?
Do I have to pay for further tests?
Where can I get more information?
When will I receive the results of my screening mammogram?
You will receive your screening mammogram results approximately two weeks after your appointment.
If it’s been more than a few weeks or if you have any concerns, please contact BreastScreen NSW on 13 20 50.
How will I get my screening mammogram results?
Your screening mammogram results will be sent to you as a letter in the mail. A copy of your results will also be sent to your GP, if you have provided BreastScreen NSW with their details.
How is my screening mammogram assessed?
After your screening mammogram has been performed, two doctors will independently review your x-ray pictures to see whether there is anything that needs to be looked at more closely.
What does a normal result mean?
If you receive a normal result, this means there was no sign of breast cancer in your x-rays. Roughly 9 out of 10 women receive a normal result from their screening mammogram.
Find out more about getting a normal screening result
What happens if my result isn’t normal?
In less than 1 in 10 cases, a screening mammogram will reveal a breast change that needs to be looked at more closely. In this case, we’ll ask you to come back for further tests – this is called ‘assessment’.
If your results letter says you need to have an assessment, this doesn’t necessarily mean that breast cancer has been found in your x-rays.
Find out what happens if you need further tests
What does assessment involve?
At your assessment appointment, you’ll undergo some additional tests. These may include more x-rays, a breast ultrasound, a breast examination, and – in some cases – a needle biopsy.
See what happens at an assessment appointment
When will I get the results of my assessment?
In most cases, you’ll be given your assessment results on the day of your appointment. However, if you had to have a biopsy as part of your assessment, it will take another 3-4 days to receive your results.
Do I have to pay for further tests?
No. If you’re asked to come back for assessment following your mammogram, you will not have to pay for further tests.
Where can I get more information?
You can find out more information on your mammogram results by downloading our brochure, What Happens After Your Mammogram?