Two years later
What happens when my next breast screen is due?
A breast screen every two years is the best way to find breast cancer early. BreastScreen Victoria will send you a reminder letter when your next breast screen is due.
Eligible Victorians in their 40s or over 74 will not receive a reminder letter but are able to make an appointment with us every two years.
What else should I do between breast screens?
Even if you have two-yearly breast screens, it is important to be breast aware because breast cancer can develop at any time. We recommend you get to know the normal look and feel of your breasts. See your doctor immediately if you notice any unusual changes, such as lumps, pain or nipple discharge.
Frequently asked questions
More than 75% of breast cancers occur in women over 50.
No screening test is 100% accurate and the body changes over time, which is why it is important to be screened at regular intervals.
Regular breast screens help to detect cancer early, before it can be noticed or felt. The earlier a breast cancer can be detected, the better the chance of successful treatment.
Aged 50 to 74
For most, if you are between 50 and 74 you should get a breast screen every two years.
If you have a higher risk of developing breast cancer, you may be asked to screen every year.
Aged between 40 and 50 or over 75
You will not receive an invitation from BreastScreen Victoria, but you are still eligible to have a free breast screen every two years.
We encourage you to talk to your doctor to find out if breast screening is suitable for your health needs.
Aged under 40
If you are under 40 you will have denser breast tissue which makes screening less accurate. For this reason, you are not eligible to have a free breast screen.
If you are concerned about your cancer risk, or have noticed changes in your breasts, you should talk to your doctor.
We need to ask these questions again in case you have new information that changes your risk of developing breast cancer.
For example, a close family member may have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer since your last visit. Depending on what other information you have, this may increase your risk of developing breast cancer.
If your risk has increased, you may be asked to screen more frequently.
Yes, you can choose any location that suits you.
Your records from previous screenings with BreastScreen Victoria will be available to all Victorian screening centres.
If you have moved to another state, call 13 20 50 to book your next screen and your records will be transferred by us to the relevant state program.
Our hope is that every screen is a positive experience.
We'd like to hear from you about what made your last experience difficult and help to make your next screening more comfortable.
Use our contact page to send us feedback with as much, or as little, detail as you wish. If you want to be contacted about your experience, you can select that on the form. Or you can call us on 13 20 50 to discuss your concerns.
All feedback is kept confidentially and taken seriously. Our Quality Improvement Committee uses your feedback to develop improvements in service quality.
General screening requires you to stand for a period, lift your arm above your shoulder and you may feel like your body is a little twisted.
If you have a sore shoulder, arthritis or other condition that you think will make screening difficult, call us on 13 20 50 to discuss your options for a more comfortable screening.