Information only. This page explains the BreastScreen Australia program in general terms. Your circumstances may be different — your GP knows your full medical and family history and can advise what's right for you.
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Worried, or had a recent recall? About 90% of women recalled for further assessment after a screening mammogram do not have breast cancer. Cancer Council Australia: 13 11 20 for free, confidential information and emotional support.
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Should I book a BreastScreen appointment?
Two questions. This is information, not a clinical recommendation — your GP knows your full medical history.
1. What's your age?
2. When was your last mammogram?
What is BreastScreen Australia?
BreastScreen Australia is a free national program that provides screening mammograms — low-dose breast X-rays — to eligible women every 2 years. The program looks for early breast cancer in women who don't have any symptoms.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Australian women. When detected early through screening, the 5-year survival rate is over 90%. Mammograms can find cancers up to two years before they can be felt.
BreastScreen will send you a personal invitation to your first screen at age 50, then a reminder every 2 years. The program targets this age group because the benefit of screening is highest here.
🆓 Ages 40–49 and 75+ — free, but not actively invited
You can book yourself in at any time. The benefit-to-harm ratio is less clear cut at these ages, which is why active invitation isn't sent — but the screen is still available and free if you want it. Discussing with your GP may help you decide.
⚠️ Strong family history? Talk to your GP
If you have a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer, your GP may recommend more intensive surveillance — earlier start, more frequent imaging, MRI in addition to mammogram. This is usually done through private radiology rather than BreastScreen, and may attract a Medicare rebate.
How to book
No referral needed.
Call 13 20 50 or visit breastscreen.org.au to find your nearest clinic. Mobile screening vans also visit rural and regional areas — the same number tells you the schedule.
Bring your Medicare card if you have one (it's not required, but helpful). The appointment takes about 20 minutes; the X-ray itself is a few seconds.
What to expect at the appointment
1
Check in. A radiographer (specialist in X-rays) will greet you. Female radiographers do all BreastScreen mammograms.
2
Brief questions. About your medical history, family history, any current symptoms or breast changes.
3
The X-ray. You stand in front of the machine. Each breast is briefly compressed between two plates while two images are taken from different angles. The compression lasts a few seconds per image.
4
Compression can be uncomfortable. Some people find it briefly painful, especially if their breasts are tender. Tell the radiographer — they can help with positioning and pacing.
5
Results come by mail in about 2 weeks — usually a letter confirming all clear. If anything needs further assessment, BreastScreen will phone you within a few weeks.
What if I'm called back?
About 1 in 20 women are recalled after a screening mammogram for further assessment. About 90% of those women turn out not to have breast cancer. Recall doesn't mean cancer — it means the radiologist wants a closer look.
Further assessment can include:
More detailed mammogram views
Breast ultrasound
Biopsy (a small tissue sample, if needed)
BreastScreen arranges all the follow-up — there's no extra cost for assessment after a recall. If the result requires treatment, your GP becomes part of that conversation.
BreastScreen vs private (diagnostic) mammogram
BreastScreen — for screening
For women without symptoms. No GP referral needed. Free for everyone. Every 2 years.
Private — for symptoms or surveillance
If you have a lump, pain, nipple change, or a strong family history needing closer follow-up — your GP refers you. Medicare rebate applies. May have a gap fee at non-bulk-billing radiology practices.
If you have a new symptom — a lump, pain, nipple change, or skin change — see your GP straight away. Don't wait for your next BreastScreen appointment. Symptoms need a diagnostic mammogram (and often an ultrasound), not a screening one.