Your Assessment Results
In most cases, you’ll be told the results of your assessment on the day of your appointment. We’ll also send you a letter with your assessment results.
After Your Assessment
In most cases, you’ll be told the results of your assessment on the day of your appointment. We’ll also send you a letter shortly afterwards, as well as sharing the results with your doctor if you provided their details.
If You Had a Biopsy
If your assessment included a biopsy, you may have to wait a few more days to get your results, as the cells or tissue samples need to be sent to a laboratory for checking. If so, we’ll ask you to come back to the assessment clinic to receive your results.
While it’s normal to feel a bit worried about getting your assessment result, it’s important to remember that 9 out of 10 women who have an assessment will be told they don’t have breast cancer.
Having an Open Biopsy
Sometimes, we’ll need you to undergo an extra test after your assessment to confirm your result.
An open biopsy is a procedure performed under anaesthetic. In this test, some or all of the abnormal tissue will be removed by a surgeon and sent to a laboratory for inspection under a microscope.
At the lab, a pathologist will be able to confirm whether the breast change is normal, or is due to cancer.
About Breast Cancer
If you are told you have breast cancer, we’ll ask your doctor to refer you to a specialist breast surgeon for further management.
Next, you and your doctor will work out a management plan for your care and treatment. Ask as many questions as you need to, so you fully understand your treatment and next steps.
Remember, when breast cancer is found early, the cancer is more likely to be small, which is when treatment is most successful.
As a result, many women who receive an early breast cancer diagnosis through a regular screening mammogram can quickly get back to their normal lives.
Learn more about breast cancer
Speak to a BreastScreen Counsellor
Whether before, during or after your assessment, our experienced nurse/counsellor is here to support you. She can talk to you about your concerns, answer your questions, and provide you with advice.
Call BreastScreen NSW on 13 20 50.