I have a screening appointment

This is my first appointment

A breast screen is an x-ray of the breasts (also called a mammogram). Breast screens can find cancers that are too small to see or feel. The earlier breast cancer is found, the better the chance of a positive outcome.

Each time you have a breast screen, your breasts are exposed to a very small amount of radiation. Research shows that the benefits of breast screens in finding cancer early outweigh any radiation risks.

We provide free breast screening to women who are 40 and over and haven’t noticed any changes to their breasts.

Women aged 50 to 74 should have a breast screen every 2 years.

Women aged 40 to 49 and 75 and over are also eligible.

What to bring

Please bring your Medicare card (not required for refugees and defence force personnel).

Arrive 10 minutes early so your paperwork can be processed.

Wear a two-piece outfit (a top with pants or a skirt). You will need to remove your top for the mammogram.

Please do not use deodorant, talcum powder or creams on the day of your appointment as these can affect your mammogram results.

It’s a good idea to bring your doctor’s details with you, so results can be shared.

What to expect

On arrival, you’ll be welcomed by a staff member. You will be asked to fill in your questionnaire and consent form if you haven’t already completed it online.

A radiographer will come and greet you in the waiting room and take you into the breast screening room. She’ll explain the process and answer any questions you might have.

When you’re ready, she’ll ask you to remove your clothing from the waist up.

The radiographer will then place one breast at a time between two plates on the mammography machine. The machine will press firmly on your breast for about 10 seconds to take each picture.

The machine will take at least 2 pictures of each breast – one from the top and one from the side.

It is normal to feel discomfort during a breast screen, but this should only last a few seconds. This is because your breasts need to be pressed firmly between two plates in the screening machine so that a clear picture can be taken. Please tell your radiographer if you feel any pain. You can ask the radiographer to stop the breast screen at any time.

Time at appointment

A mammogram only takes about 10 minutes.

The whole appointment usually takes less than 30 minutes.

A referral from your Doctor is not necessary.

After my appointment

Results

Your mammogram will be read by two or more Doctors trained to look for breast cancer. Your results will usually be sent to you within 2 weeks. You will get them faster if you have an online account set up and ask to have them sent there. Your results will also be sent to your doctor if you provided their details.

Based upon their decisions, you will be given one result – either a well woman result with ‘no evidence of breast cancer’ or ‘recalled for further tests’. Follow-up is done at the Assessment clinic and is also free. See What to expect at an Assessment appointment for further information.

Re Invitation

The vast majority of women will get a screening result that says, ‘no evidence of breast cancer’ and will be invited to come back in 2 years – or less if that’s what you’ve been advised. Having a breast screen at least every 2 years is the best way to find breast cancers early, when they’re more easily treated.

Breast awareness

Get to know your breasts and what is normal for you. It is important to be aware of the normal look and feel of your breast.

Look out for the following changes:

a new lump or lumpiness, especially if it’s only in one breast
a change in the size or shape or your breast
a change to the nipple such as crusting or redness, or the nipple is pulled in
nipple discharge (liquid comes out of the nipple) that occurs without squeezing the nipple
a change in the skin of your breast such as redness, puckering (pulling in) or dimpling (like orange peel)
an unusual pain that doesn’t go away.

If you notice any changes, see your doctor without delay.

I am a support person/carer

You may wish to bring a carer, friend or support person to sit with you while you wait, however they will not usually be allowed in mammogram room.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

If you are Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander or identified as both, you will be given a Sistas Shawl when you attend your breast screen at Brisbane Northside locations, which you can use as a privacy wrap during the mammogram to provide you with a sense of safety and comfort.

The Sistas Shawl features “A Woman’s Dreaming” artwork by Sharon McEvoy.

I want to provide feedback

If you would like to provide feedback to BreastScreen Queensland Brisbane Northside services, please complete our feedback form.

Provide feedback

Frequently Asked Questions

What is breast cancer?

Breast cancer is a disease that occurs when abnormal cells in the breast grow out of control. The cancer spreads into the breast tissues and has the potential to spread to other parts of the body.

How common is breast cancer?

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in females in Australia. One out of every 7 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.

Can I have a breast screen if I am breast feeding?

Yes. Breast screening is safe for women who are breast feeding but it may be more uncomfortable than usual. This is because breasts that contain milk can be more sensitive.

If you’re breastfeeding, you’ll be asked to breastfeed or express milk just before your breast screen, so your breasts are as empty as possible. You can ask for the breast screen to be stopped if it’s too uncomfortable.

Is breast pain a symptom of breast cancer?

Breast pain is a relatively common breast change, and most women at some stage in their lives will experience it. Breast pain alone is rarely an indicator of breast cancer, however any unusual persistent pain, especially in one breast, should be carefully investigated by your doctor.

Can I have a breast screen if I have breast implants?

Yes. Most people who have breast implants can have regular breast screens every two years.

Please let our staff know that you have breast implants when you book your appointment.

For more information please visit the BreastScreen Queensland website.

Contact

BreastScreen Queensland Northside Service

Location: 534 Hamilton Road, Chermside QLD 4032
Phone: (07) 3350 7444
Website: www.breastscreen.qld.gov.au