If you’re 40 or over and have no risk factors for breast cancer, it’s recommended you undergo regular breast screening. Talk to your GP – who’ll refer you to a breast screening clinic.

WHAT IS SCREENING?

The Medical Screening Society (MSS) defines screening as “The systematic application of a test or enquiry to identify individuals at sufficient risk of a specific disorder to warrant further investigation or direct preventative action, amongst persons who have not sought medical attention on account of symptoms of that disorder.”

Screening may not necessarily provide a diagnosis; its aim is to identify a possible risk, with the potential need for further testing to establish a diagnosis.

WHY DO WE SCREEN?

Nobody knows the cause of breast cancer. The detection of breast cancer early – while it’s still small and confined to the breast alone – is the best chance for effective treatment.

Early detection not only increases your chances of survival, but it also increases your treatment options and improves your quality of life. Studies have shown that screening with a mammogram can reduce absolute mortality from breast cancer by up to 40%.

WHO GETS SCREENED?

Screening is offered to women aged over 40 who have no symptoms of breast change. The figures show that women aged 50–69 benefit the most from screening.

There’s no evidence that screening is beneficial for women under 40, due to the reduced accuracy of mammography in this age group. For this reason, women aged 40 or younger are not advised to have a screening mammogram.

IN SUMMARY:

Women aged 40-49 may have screening mammography, but they should weigh up the pros and cons for themselves, and consider the evidence that screening mammography is less effective for women in this age group. Women aged 50-69 are advised to have a screening mammogram every 2 years.

Women aged 70+ may also be screened every 2 years but they should weigh up the pros and cons for themselves, considering whether they have other diseases or conditions that may impact negatively on their general health.

Sydney Breast Clinic provides a specialised Breast Screening Clinic. Our multidisciplinary clinic provides you with quick access to experienced, high quality care, at a one-stop clinic in a caring environment with results provided on the day*.

(*Second quality assurance read of the mammogram and pathology results sometimes occur on the next day. On these occasions an interim result is given on the first day)