Breast Cancer Screening Procedure - Mammography
Breast screening procedure involves the women undergoing mammography
which is low dose x-ray of the breast. Screening mammography is provided
free of charge by Breast Screen Australia and operated by Breast Screen
NSW. It is used for early detection of breast cancer.
Mammogram x-rays use very low doses of radiation, similar to other x-rays. Xradiation or x-ray is a technique that can identify bones and is used in medical
imaging. Mammography is technique for examining for abnormalities in the
composition of breast tissue as any dense tissue will be observed.
In preparing for the mammogram, wear a skirt or slacks and a top, rather than
a dress, as you need to undress from the waist up. Do not wear talcum
powder or skin lotion on the day of the mammogram as it may show on the xray and make any changes to your breast harder ti detect.
The procedure will involve the following steps:





You are asked to remove all jewellery and clothing above your waist,
and put on gown that opens in front
When you are ready and comfortable, you will be positioned at the
mammography or x-ray machine – usually while standing. The
radiographer positions your breasts on the x-ray machine
Whilst the mammogram is being taken, each breast is gently
compressed between two flat plates to flatten out the breast tissue.
This procedure lasts a few seconds and if you feel any pain during the
mammogram, you should let the radiographer know. They can stop the
compression and ask whether you want to stop. You can ask for the
procedure to stop at any time.
The test itself may take only 10-15 minutes to perform, but you may be
asked to wait a short time while the images are being processed to
ensure that the images technically satisfactory
It is possible that the radiographer may repeat the procedure if the
image is unsatisfactory.
Immediately after the mammogram
After you have had your mammogram, the results will be posted within two
weeks and your GP will also receive a copy of the results, if you have given
their contact details.
Medical issues to consider
Your GP, nurse or other health professional will explain the test. Make sure
you understand that the test is used for early detection of cancer and that you
do not have cancer.
Inform the Breast Screen NSW Centre if you have breast implants, because
the radiographer may use special techniques to take clear x-rays of your
breasts.
Women with disabilities
Women with disabilities should also have screening mammogram every 2
years. The Breast Screen NSW screening centres are accessible and staff
are experienced in helping all women who feel comfortable.
Accessibility






Most Breast Screen centres provide wheelchair access
Longer appointment times are given to meet your needs
They provide Auslan interpreter services at the appointment
They can liaise with local disability services
Your carer, friend or family member is welcome to attend
Guide and assistance dogs are welcome
Women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
Breast Screen NSW offers free interpreter services to women who are
uncomfortable speaking English by dialling 13 14 50 when making an
appointment and during the breast screen procedure.
Further Tests
Sometimes further tests are needed because the mammography results are
unclear. Some things that cause difficulty in reading x-ray include:





Glandular (lumpy) breasts which are common in women under 30
years of age
Dense (muscular) breasts, common in pre-menopausal women
Previous breast surgery or radiation therapy
Breast implants
Movement of the breast during the procedure.
Remember, most women who are called back for further tests are found to
not have breast cancer.
Taking care of yourself at home after the test
Be advised by your doctor but, generally there are no special instruction for
aftercare following a mammogram.
Other forms of detection and diagnosis
Other methods used to help detect or diagnose breast conditions may include:






Breast awareness – it is important for all women to know the normal
look and feel of their breasts. If you notice any changes such as nipple
discharge or a lump, it is important that you visit your doctor as soon as
possible
Clinical examination – the doctor physically examines your breast to
feel for lumps or thickening
Ultrasound scan – a device that uses sound waves to form a picture
of the inside of the breast
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan – a process that produces
three-dimensional pictures of the breast using radio waves and a
magnetic field
Fine needle aspiration – fluid or cells drawn off using a fine needle,
then examined in a laboratory
Core biopsy – a tissue sample is taken using a needle under local
anaesthesia, for examination in a laboratory.
Where to help


Your doctor
Breast Screen NSW Tel 13 20 50
Things to remember




Mammography is low dose x-ray
A mammogram is used to screen women without symptoms and to
diagnose certain conditions that affect breast tissue in women who do
not have symptoms
Most women who are called back for further tests after an abnormal
mammogram result are found not to have breast cancer
It is important for all women to know the normal look and feel of their
breasts. If you notice any changes, nipple discharge or lump, it is
important that you visit your doctor as soon as possible.