What is a breast screen?

During a breast screen a machine will take at least 2 x-rays of each breast – one from the top and one from the side. These pictures will be read by at least 2 doctors who are specially trained to look for breast cancers on x-ray pictures.

Read more about breast screening on the BreastScreen Queensland website.

Take the Breastscreen Queensland Cairns Virtual Tour.

Who can access this service?

BreastScreen Queensland provides free breast screening to women over 40.

If you're aged 50 to 74, you should have a breast screen every 2 years.

Women aged 40 to 49 years and 75 years and older can also attend if they choose.

If you haven't screened with BreastScreen Queensland before, we'll send you an invitation to start screening with us around the time of your 50th birthday.

We'll remind you to screen every 2 years after that.

Make or change an appointment

You can make or change an appointment online, or phone 13 20 50.

We're open Monday to Friday 7:30 am to 4 pm.

Saturday morning appointments are available every 3 months.

Closed on public holidays.

Locations

BreastScreen Queensland Cairns
116 McLeod Street
Cairns QLD 4870

Wheelchair-friendly building.

Interpreter services available.

Mobile breast screening vans

The BreastScreen Queensland Mobile Service provides screening services every 2 years to 47 different locations in Far North Queensland and the Torres Strait.

Check when a mobile van will be in your area on the BreastScreen Queensland website.

Breast screening promotion

If you would like a guest speaker to visit your club or organisation to talk about the importance of breast screening and reducing your cancer risk, contact our Health Promotion Officers at hp-bsqcairns@health.qld.gov.au

Last updated: December 2022