What is a breast screen?
A breast screen (or mammogram) is a special X-ray of the breast tissue, with the main purpose of screening for tumours of the breast that have not yet become symptomatic.
When should you get a breast screen?
Recommendations as to frequency of breast screening for different groups of women vary, and some controversy exists as to the impact of screening programs on overall prognosis.
BreastScreen Australia recommends women aged between 50-74 (without symptoms of breast cancer) get a screening mammogram every two years.
Healthy women can get a breast screen at a breast screening clinic without a referral from a doctor.
A mammogram may also be requested by your doctor if you discover a lump in your breast.
Get on top of your general health
Find and instantly book affordable GPs within Australia
How is a breast screen performed?
A breast screen is a special X-Ray of the breast tissue, taken by placing the breast between an X-Ray source and sensor, which are like two hard plates.
Some women may find the test uncomfortable as the breast tissue is squeezed between these two surfaces. Each breast is imaged as a separate procedure.
Book your health appointments online
Find and instantly book your next health appointment with Healthengine
Breast screen results explained
Results are usually sent by your radiologist to your GP, several days after the test.
The results may show:
- A normal mammogram – most common result
- Benign breast disease – a range of conditions affecting the breast tissue, which usually do not require any treatment
- A suspicious abnormality – this will almost never be a conclusive result and further testing may be recommended, such as an ultrasound or a biopsy of the lesion to determine whether it might be a tumour – benign or malignant
Related specialists
- General Practitioner (GP)
- Radiologist
- General Surgeon
- Plastic Surgeon
- Oncologist
- Palliative Care Physician
Related procedures
- Tissue Biopsy
Related tests
- Ultrasound of the Breast
Also known as
- Mammogram
- X-ray of the breast
Links
- BreastScreen Australia – Australian Department of Health
- Breast Cancer Network Australia
- BreastScreen WA
- Wikipedia – Mammography
A: Use HealthEngine to find and book your next GP appointment. Click on the following locations to find a GP clinic in your state or territory.
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. If in doubt, HealthEngine recommends consulting with a registered health practitioner.
All content and media on the HealthEngine Blog is created and published online for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Never disregard the advice of a medical professional, or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the nearest hospital emergency department, or call the emergency services immediately.
Related Articles
Need a health appointment?
Find and book a doctor, dentist, physio and more on Healthengine
Find a practitioner
