Who needs to screen?
Women 50 to 74 years old
Women aged 50 – 74 are invited to have a screening mammogram every two years.
More than 75% of breast cancers occur in women over 50.1 Regular breast screens are the best way to find breast cancer early.2
Book online or call us on 13 20 50.
Women 40 to 49 years old
Women aged 40 – 49 with no breast symptoms can attend BreastScreen NSW.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are recommended to screen from age 40.
Most breast cancers are found in women aged over 50.3 While cancer can occur in younger women aged 40-50, it is less common.
Breast screening can also be less effective for women in this age group. This is because higher breast density can make it more difficult to see a cancer on the x-ray.
Women aged over 74 years
Women aged 75 years and over can also attend BreastScreen NSW. Women aged 75+ are recommended to talk to their GP to find out if breast screening is right for them.
1. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2020. BreastScreen Australia monitoring report 2020. Cancer series no. 129. Cat. no. CAN 135. Canberra: AIHW.p.
2. www.canceraustralia.gov.au/resources/position-statements/early-detection-breast-cancer
3. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2020. BreastScreen Australia monitoring report 2020. Cancer series no. 129. Cat. no. CAN 135. Canberra: AIHW.p.
