Why breast screening is important

Published 28 June 2018

A screening mammogram is the best method to detect breast cancer early for women over the age of 50.

1 in 8 women in NSW will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, and the risk of developing breast cancer increases with age.

Why have a screening mammogram?

A screening mammogram is an x-ray of the breasts for women who have not noticed any symptoms or changes in their breasts. Screening mammograms usually involve two x-ray pictures of each breast.

The x-ray pictures can find cancers as small as a grain of rice before you or your doctor can feel any changes in your breasts.

“Two pictures, top to bottom and side to side,” says BreastScreen NSW staff member Beverly.

The whole process takes about 20 minutes, with a female staff member beginning by explaining the process and answering any questions.

A female radiographer then takes you to the x-ray room, and you remove your top in private.

When you are ready, the mammogram is conducted: two x-rays of each breast. The machine presses against the breast, lasting about 10 seconds.

That is everything that happens on the day. From there, in about 10 working days, the results are delivered to you and your doctor.

Why are screening mammograms important?

When breast cancer is found early, most women will get better and get back to their normal lives.

This is because breast cancer treatment works best when the cancer is still small and has not spread outside the breast to other parts of the body.

If your cancer is picked up by BreastScreen NSW you are almost half as likely to need a mastectomy.

Find a screening site or a mobile screening unit near you.