Information for Health Professionals

Women aged 50-74 are more likely to have a mammogram if it’s recommended by their GP.

Early detection of breast cancer

Early detection of breast cancer is one of the most important factors in improving survival and recovery. Women who have their breast cancer detected early by BreastScreen NSW are less likely to need a mastectomy.

The BreastScreen NSW program is designed for asymptomatic women. Patients with symptoms should be referred for diagnostic investigation as per the recommended pathway.

All women over 40 are eligible:

• Women aged 50 to 74 years are invited every two years.
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are recommended to screen from 40 years.*
• Women aged over 74 - it is recommended that GPs discuss with patients whether routine breast screening is a health priority.

The majority of breast cancers occur in women aged over 50 years. Evidence shows that screening mammography is most effective in this age group, with significant reductions in breast cancer mortality rates in the screened population. Due to hormonal changes, breast density decreases with age in most women, making mammography more effective as a screening tool in women over the age of 50. In younger women, the density of the breast tissue may obscure small cancers.

Your role in breast screening

Medical referral is not required for women to attend the service.

Support your patient to screen by providing them with clear information on the mammography process - particularly if they have concerns about the experience. 

 

Patients with specific needs

BreastScreen NSW is committed to making our services accessible to all women, including:

• Women who have special needs or live with a chronic health condition
• Women in wheelchairs
• Women who require translation services
• Women with breast implants
• Gender and sexuality diverse people

Call us on 13 20 50 to discuss the specific needs of your clients.

References:

*Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer at an advanced stage, which can lead to poorer disease outcomes and lower rates of survival than non-Aboriginal women.

Sources below:

Moore SP, Soerjomataram I, Green AC, Garvey G, Martin J, Valery PC. Breast cancer diagnosis, patterns of care and burden of disease in Queensland, Australia (1998-2004): does being Indigenous make a difference? Int J Public Health. 2016;61(4):435-42.

Banham D, Roder D, Keefe D, Farshid G, Eckert M, Howard N, et al. Disparities in breast screening, stage at diagnosis, cancer treatment and the subsequent risk of cancer death: a retrospective, matched cohort of aboriginal and non-aboriginal women with breast cancer. BMC Health Serv Res. 2019;19(1):387.

Tapia KA, Garvey G, McEntee MF, Rickard M, Lydiard L, Brennan PC. Breast screening attendance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in the Northern Territory of Australia. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health. 2019;43(4):334-39. 

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