What happens at your screening
At BreastScreen Victoria, we do everything we can to ensure your breast screen is quick, easy and comfortable. Here’s what to expect during your appointment.
Check-in
When you arrive, a BreastScreen Victoria team member will welcome you, explain the process and check your details. The whole process takes about 10 minutes.
- Booked online? You won’t need to complete any paperwork. But if any personal details or breast symptoms have changed since you booked, please let us know.
- Booked by phone? You’ll need to sign a form and confirm your details.
During the breast screen
Once you’ve confirmed all your details, a woman radiographer will take you into the mammography room.
- We’ll ask you to remove your top and bra (let us know if you’d like to wear a gown), tie your hair back – and remove anything that covers your chest/breast area.
- When you’re ready, the radiographer will position you in front of the mammogram machine.
- Each breast will then be placed on a plate, one at a time, and gently compressed with another plate for about 30 seconds.
- At least 4 images will be taken – 2 of each breast, from the top and side views.
- The radiographer will then check to ensure that the images are clear. If they’re not, you may need to have more images taken.
What to expect at BreastScreen Victoria
Learn more about our process – from booking a breast screen to what happens during your screening and receiving your results.
Please note: This video contains animated nudity.
What technology do we use?
BreastScreen Victoria uses 2D digital mammography for breast screening.
If you’re called back for further tests to one of our assessment clinics, we use tomosynthesis (also known as 3D mammography) to investigate changes detected on your x-rays from your breast screen.
Will the breast screen hurt?
Some people may feel discomfort during the breast screen, but it should only last a few seconds. This is because your breasts need to be pressed firmly between 2 plates on the mammogram machine to capture clear x-ray images.
Let the radiographer know if you feel any pain. She’ll work with you to ensure your breast screen is as comfortable as possible.
Remember, you can ask the radiographer to stop the breast screen at any time.
Why do we need to compress your breasts?
Compression holds the breasts still and spreads out the breast tissue so we can get a clear image on the x-ray. It also decreases the amount of radiation required for each x-ray image.
You’ll feel the pressure on your breast for around 30 seconds. Once the image is taken, the pressure releases.
You can ask to have the breast screen stop at any time
You can ask the radiographer to stop at any time during the screen.
You can also let the radiographer know if you have any concerns, and she’ll be happy to answer any questions.
Mobile breast screening service
Our mobile screening vans offer the same state-of-the-art technology you’d find at our fixed clinics – ensuring easy access to free breast screening across Victoria.
Watch the video to learn more.
