About Your Assessment

Your assessment is performed by a team of specialists and is designed to check whether the abnormal mammogram appearance is harmless or is due to breast cancer.

Assessment Tests

If you’ve been called for an assessment, there’s no need to feel nervous about the procedures – in most cases, these will simply include some more breast x-rays, a breast ultrasound and potentially a breast examination.

These tests are carried out by a team of specialists, and are designed to check whether the abnormal mammogram appearance is harmless or is due to breast cancer.

Couple At Assessment With Doctor

Here are some of the tests you may have at your assessment appointment:

Breast X-Rays

We may need to take some more x-rays of your breasts. These will focus on the area of the breast we need to check, so might not be the same as your previous screening mammogram.

Breast Ultrasound

A breast ultrasound is a painless procedure that uses sound waves to check your breast tissue.

Clinical Breast Examination

In a breast examination, a doctor will check for any noticeable changes in your breast, i.e. changes that can be seen or felt.

Other Assessment Tests

After conducting some or all of the tests above, a small number of women will need to undergo some additional tests.

These may include a biopsy, which uses a needle to take a small sample of cells and/or tissue from the part of the breast that need to be checked.

Your Assessment Appointment

Here are a few things to be aware of before your assessment appointment: 

  • Your assessment can take between two and four hours, however we recommended you allow a full day for your visit in case multiple tests are required
  • You’re welcome to bring a friend or family member with you to your assessment
  • Don’t use deodorant, creams or talcum powder before your visit, as these can show up on your x-ray
  • As you’ll need to remove your top, remember to wear a two-piece outfit (a top with pants or a skirt)
  • It’s a good idea to bring your doctor’s details with you to your appointment, so we can share your results with them

Need More Information?

If you have questions or concerns about your assessment at any time, you are welcome to contact the friendly BreastScreen NSW team on 13 20 50, or call the local number provided on your letter (ask to speak to a nurse or counsellor).

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