Breast Screening
What is Breast Screening?
Breast screening refers to the use of imaging tests to look for early signs of breast cancer in women who have no symptoms.
The primary goal is to identify small, early changes in the breast before they cause noticeable problems.
Screening can be performed through:
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Mammography – the most effective test for detecting small cancers.
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Breast Ultrasound – useful in younger women or those with dense breast tissue.
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Breast MRI – recommended in selected high-risk women (such as BRCA gene carriers).
Who Should Have Breast Screening?
Screening recommendations depend on your age and individual risk:
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Ages 50–74:
Women at average risk should have a screening mammogram every 2 years, as recommended by the BreastScreen Australia program.
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Ages 40–49 or over 75:
Women may also choose to participate in screening after discussing the benefits and limitations with their doctor.
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High-Risk Women:
Women with a strong family history, known genetic mutations (such as BRCA1 or BRCA2), or previous chest radiation may require annual screening starting earlier, often using mammogram and MRI.
At Breast & Wellness, screening is individualised based on your risk profile, breast density, and previous imaging results.
What Happens During Breast Screening?
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Mammogram: The breast is gently compressed between two plates while low-dose X-rays are taken from different angles. The procedure takes only a few minutes and is safe for most women.
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Ultrasound: A small handheld probe is used to create detailed images of the breast using sound waves. It is painless and commonly used alongside mammography for dense breasts.
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MRI: Conducted with contrast dye, MRI is used in specific high-risk patients or complex cases.
Results are reviewed by specialist radiologists, and if any abnormality is detected, further evaluation (such as additional imaging or biopsy) is arranged promptly.
Benefits of Regular Breast Screening
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Detects cancers early, when treatment is most effective
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Reduces the likelihood of needing major surgery or chemotherapy
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Improves survival rates
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Provides reassurance for women with no findings
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Allows ongoing monitoring of breast health over time
Possible Limitations
While screening saves lives, no test is perfect. Some limitations include:
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False negatives: Rarely, very small cancers may be missed, especially in dense breasts.
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False positives: Some abnormalities may appear suspicious but prove benign after further testing.
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Overdiagnosis: Occasionally, very slow-growing cancers are found that may never have caused harm.
At Breast & Wellness, all screening results are interpreted in the context of your clinical background, reducing unnecessary anxiety and ensuring appropriate follow-up.
When to Seek Immediate Review
Screening is designed for women without symptoms. However, if you notice any of the following, you should seek medical review immediately — even if your last screening was normal:
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A new lump or thickening
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Nipple discharge, inversion, or change in shape
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Persistent breast pain or redness
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Skin dimpling or swelling
Our Approach to Screening
At Breast & Wellness, breast screening is more than a test — it is part of a comprehensive strategy for early detection and ongoing health maintenance.
Screening is performed using state-of-the-art imaging, interpreted by specialist breast radiologists, and integrated with clinical assessment when needed.
Women are guided through the process with clarity, compassion, and personalised advice on follow-up or risk reduction.
Key Points
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Breast screening detects early cancer before symptoms appear.
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Mammogram every 2 years is recommended for women aged 50–74.
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High-risk women may need annual screening starting earlier.
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Combining mammogram and ultrasound increases accuracy in dense breasts.
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Early detection saves lives and improves outcomes.