Eligibility, risk and screening interval
No. BreastScreen NSW does not screen women under 40.
Women under 40 are at a much lower risk of developing breast cancer.2527
Breast cancers are difficult to detect in young breast tissue due to higher breast density, which can make it harder to see small cancers on an x-ray.
Women should talk to their doctor to find out if breast screening is right for them.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are recommended to screen from age 40.
Evidence shows breast cancer rates are lower and screening can be less effective for women aged 40–50.2531
Yes. BreastScreen NSW invites women in this age group to screen every 2 years.
More than 75% of breast cancers occur in women over 50.1471
Regular breast screens are the best way to find breast cancers early.
Women should talk to their doctor to find out if breast screening is right for them.
Women aged 75 years and older are eligible to receive a free mammogram every 2 years, but BreastScreen NSW does not issue invitations to women in this age group.
A woman’s general health should be taken into account when deciding if screening is a priority.
Symptomatic women should be referred to diagnostic breast imaging and/or a breast surgeon. Screening alone is not appropriate for the investigation of a sign or symptom.
- Women aged 50 to 74 are invited every two years.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are recommended to screen from 40 years.
- For women aged over 74, it is recommended that GPs discuss with patients whether routine breast screening is a health priority.
- Find more information on:
* Symptomatic women should be referred to diagnostic breast imaging and/or a breast surgeon. Screening mammography alone is not appropriate for the investigation of a sign or symptom.
- Book online.
- Call 13 20 50.
- Call 13 14 50 for interpreter assistance.
- Find nearest screening location.
- No referral required.
- Group bookings are available.
- Takes 20 minutes.
- All female radiographers.
- Patient consent and details are required.
- Results are provided in approximately two weeks.
- With patient consent, the GP is provided with results.
This video takes women through the screening appointment step by step.
- Most women receive a normal result and return to routine screening (every two years).
- Fewer than 10% of women are recalled to an Assessment Clinic for diagnostic testing.
- Assessment Clinics are a free service.
- Investigations may include:
- Mammography
- Tomosynthesis (3D)
- Ultrasound
- Clinical breast examination
- Needle biopsy
- With patient consent, GPs are provided with results.
- If diagnosed with breast cancer, the patient will be advised to discuss treatment options with their GP and request a referral to a breast specialist.
- Women may resume regular screening with BreastScreen NSW five years post-diagnosis, with a written request from their treating doctor.
- GP follow up: GPs are urged to place a rescreen reminder in their records for the patient’s next mammogram.
Risk factors for breast cancer
For information on modifiable and non-modifiable breast cancer risk factors, visit Risk factors for breast cancer.
Screening intervals
Aboriginal women aged 40–74 and non-Aboriginal women aged 50–74 are recommended to have a breast screen every 2 years.
It is recommended that some women screen every year. At a woman’s first appointment, our staff provide information about the recommended breast screening interval.
As a health professional, you may be asked about screening intervals. The table below lists some risk factors which we consider when recommending an annual breast screen.
Eligibility for annual screen
A woman with a previous history of breast cancer can be screened every year on advice from their specialist.
We recommend women with a previous history of breast cancer wait at least five years after diagnosis before returning to BreastScreen NSW. .
Secondary breast cancer risk is higher in women treated with chest, axillary or total body irradiation and/or Anthracycline-based chemotherapy for cancer in childhood, adolescence or as a young adult. Most women who received these treatments will not develop secondary breast cancer. However, it is important to understand that the risk is higher for this cohort than for women this age who never received this treatment.
Increased surveillance and supplementary screening is recommended including annual clinical breast examination until age 25 years, then 6 monthly thereafter: annual mammogram and breast MRI from age 25. Your patient’s survivorship clinicians will be able to provide guidance.
Free annual mammography can be provided from 40 years by BreastScreen NSW on request from a healthcare provider. Currently, additional supplemental screening is only available outside of the BreastScreen Australia program following consultation and referral to a diagnostic imaging service.
A woman can have a breast screen every year.
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.
It is recommended that the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre iPrevent™ breast cancer risk assessment tool be used to understand the woman's risk before a review of screening interval is requested.
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.
If recommended by a designated radiologist and/or multidisciplinary team within BreastScreen NSW, a woman can have a breast screen every year.
To discuss a patient’s screening interval, contact us on 13 20 50.
You can find more information in Frequently Asked Questions.
