Previous diagnosis of breast cancer

Includes invasive and in-situ cancer sub-types

BreastScreen NSW recommends that women with a previous history of breast cancer should be at least five years post-diagnosis before re-attending for a screening mammogram.

However, the program’s policy allows for annual rescreens for any woman diagnosed with breast cancer on the advice of her specialist.

Previous benign biopsy in which any of these features were identified:

• Atypical ductal or lobular hyperplasia
• Lobular carcinoma in-situ

Family history of breast cancer

BreastScreen NSW routinely offers annual screening mammograms to women who have a first-degree relative (mother, sister, daughter, father, brother, son) who was diagnosed with breast cancer before the age of 50.

A woman can have her screening interval reviewed further if she has concerns about her family history and either herself or her doctor requests an additional review.

If a review is requested, the woman’s screening interval will be determined by the recommendations outlined in the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre iPrevent™ breast cancer risk assessment tool.

The iPrevent™ tool assesses breast cancer risk and takes into account age, reproductive factors, lifestyle factors and family history of breast cancer.

The tool categorises women into three levels of risk – average, moderate or high.

The printable report also provides risk reducing options and a recommended breast screening interval.

Specialist recommendation

If a designated radiologist and/or multidisciplinary team within BreastScreen NSW decides that a patient requires annual screening, this will be offered by the BreastScreen NSW Program.