About Mammography
Screening vs diagnostic mammography
There are some key differences between screening mammography (or breast cancer screening) and diagnostic mammography.
Screening mammography
Screening mammography is a breastscreen or special breast x-ray taken at a Queensland Health BreastScreen Queensland Service to look for signs of breast cancer before any symptoms are noticed by you or your doctor. Screening mammography does not require a referral from a doctor and is provided free of charge if performed by a BreastScreen Queensland Service.
Diagnostic mammography
A doctor may refer women with existing signs or symptoms of breast cancer to a general diagnostic imaging practice, some of which specialise in breast imaging. These women require individualised and specialised care to assess their symptoms which is outside the scope of the Queensland Health BreastScreen Queensland Program. A referral from a general or surgical practice is required and often there may be a cost involved unless performed at a public hospital, but a Medicare rebate is available. Following the investigation of existing signs or symptoms of breast cancer, an individualised report is sent to the doctor and further follow-up tests are at the discretion of the doctor. Women are encouraged to discuss with their doctor the option of joining or returning to the free Queensland Health BreastScreen Queensland Program if appropriate.
For a summary of the differences, refer to the Screening vs Diagnostic Mammography information sheet.
Why have a breastscreen?
A breastscreen is the best way of finding breast cancers early, even before they can be felt or other signs are noticed. A breastscreen will not stop you getting breast cancer, but finding breast cancer at an early stage gives you the best possible chance of successful treatment and well-being. Women over 50 who have a breastscreen every two years greatly reduce their chance of dying from breast cancer.
It is important to have any breast changes checked by your doctor, even if your last breastscreen was clear as cancers can occur between breastscreens.
Are breastscreens safe?
The benefits of having a regular breastscreen every two years far outweigh the small risk of exposure to radiation. The risk of developing breast cancer after exposure to radiation during a breastscreen is very small. In fact, radiation is a part of life and we are exposed to it everyday including background radiation from soil and bricks. In comparison, a breastscreen is equal to about 50 days of background radiation or 60 hours flying time which is the same as flying around the world.
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