What happens 2 years after your screen?
The best way to detect breast cancer early is to have a breast screen every 2 years.
Learn more about what to expect when your next screen is due, why screening when you are due is important – and what to do in between screens.
Why you need to be screened again
More than 75% of breast cancers occur in women over 50. This shows that breast cancer risk increases with age. Since no screening test is 100% accurate and your body changes over time, it’s important to screen as recommended, every 2 years.
Screening every 2 years helps detect cancer early, even before you notice or feel it. The earlier breast cancer is detected, the better the chance of successful treatment.
When your next breast screen is due
We’ll send you a reminder when your next breast screen is due.
If you’re in your 40s or over 74, you won’t receive a reminder from us, however, you can still book a free breast screen with us every 2 years. In this age group, we recommend that you speak to a doctor to see if a breast screen is the right choice for you.
What to do between breast screens
Even if you have breast screens every 2 years, it’s important to be breast aware because breast cancer can develop at any time.
Get to know the normal look and feel of your breasts – and see your doctor immediately if you notice any unusual changes such as lumps, pain or nipple discharge.
Frequently asked questions
- Ages 50 to 74: Most people in this age group should have a breast screen every 2 years. But if you’re at a higher risk, you may need to screen every year.
- In your 40s or over 74: You can have a free breast screen with us every 2 years. You should also speak to a doctor to find out if breast screening is suitable for you.
- Under 40: If you’re under 40, you’ll have denser breast tissue – which makes screening less effective. For this reason, you’re not eligible for our free breast screen with us. If you’re concerned about your cancer risk or have noticed changes in your breasts, you should speak to a doctor.
We ask about family history at each visit in case there’s new information that changes your risk of breast cancer.
For example, a close family member may have been diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer since your last breast screen. Depending on what other information you have, this may increase your breast cancer risk and require more frequent screenings.
Yes, you can choose any location that suits you. All our screening clinics in Victoria have access to your screening records from BreastScreen Victoria.
If you’ve moved to another state, call 13 20 50 to book your next screen and we’ll transfer your records to the relevant state program.
It’s our goal to make every screen a positive experience for you.
If your last appointment was difficult, we’d like to hear more from you so we can ensure your next screening is more comfortable. You can send us feedback by:
- Completing this form on our contact page
- Calling us on 13 20 50 to discuss your concerns
You’ll also be invited to provide feedback after your next screen, and you can share as much or as little detail as you wish.
We take your feedback seriously and keep it confidential. we use your feedback to help us enhance our service delivery.
When screening, you’ll need to stand for around 10 minutes and you’ll be asked to lift your arms above your shoulder, moving your body a little.
If you have a sore shoulder, arthritis, difficulty standing without support, or any other conditions that may make screening difficult – call us on 13 20 50 to discuss how we can make your screening more comfortable.