Breast cancer screening

About breast screening

A breast screen, also known as a mammogram, is an x-ray of the breasts. Mammograms can detect very small breast cancers before they can be seen or felt.

The best way to find breast cancer early in women aged 50 to 74 is to have a breast screen.

If found early, breast cancer is easier to treat and there is an increased chance of survival.

Finding breast cancer early improves treatment options
Breast cancer expert Associate Professor Nirmala Pathmanathan explains the benefits of regular mammograms. When breast cancer is diagnosed in the early stages women are much less likely to require a mastectomy or chemotherapy.
Breast cancer expert Associate Professor Nirmala Pathmanathan explains the benefits of regular mammograms. When breast cancer is diagnosed in the early stages women are much less likely to require a mastectomy or chemotherapy. Mammograms are the most effective way to find breast cancers when they are very small, before they can be seen or felt.
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About the BreastScreen NSW program

The BreastScreen NSW program is free and specifically designed for women aged 50 to 74.

Women are recommended to have a breast screen every 2 years. Women aged 40 to 49 and over 75 are also eligible to attend. However, speak to your doctor first to see if screening is a priority for you.

All BreastScreen NSW radiographers are female and use state-of-the-art equipment which ensures the highest quality mammograms with minimal radiation.

Screening with BreastScreen NSW is for women with no symptoms. If you are experiencing symptoms such as lump, nipple discharge or persistent new breast pain, please see your doctor without delay.

Visit BreastScreen NSW website for more information on:

eligibility
screening benefits and concerns
signs and symptoms
risk factors
breast density
breast implants
breast screening for women under 40
how to prepare for your breast screen
what happens at your appointment
breast screening results

Why regular breast screening matters

A screening mammogram can detect breast cancer when it is very small, often before you or your doctor can see or feel any changes in your breast.

Breast cancer is common:

1 in 7 women will develop breast cancer during their lifetime.
9 out of 10 women diagnosed with breast cancer do not have a family history of the disease.

Regular mammograms with BreastScreen NSW are the most effective way to detect breast cancer early. Early detection means:

more treatment options
better outcomes
a higher chance of survival

Where you can get a free mammogram

BCI delivers the BreastScreen NSW program in Western Sydney with various breast screening clinic locations including:

Location	Address
Blacktown	Level 1, 2 Warrick Lane, Blacktown NSW 2148
Castle Hill	Castle Towers Shopping Centre, Top Floor, Located within MYER (Women's Shoes Section), 6-14 Castle Street, Castle Hill NSW 2154
Mount Druitt	Mount Druitt Hospital Level 2, 75 Railway Street Mt Druitt NSW 2770
Parramatta	Westfield Shopping Centre, Located within MYER Level 2 (Women's Intimate Apparel Section) 175 Church Street, Parramatta NSW 2150
Penrith	Westfield Shopping Centre, MYER Level 1, 585 High Street, Penrith NSW 2750

Mobile screening vans

The BreastScreen NSW mobile van also regularly visits several Western Sydney locations including:

Lithgow
Katoomba
Springwood
Cumberland
St Marys
Windsor

To find out more about the mobile van schedule, visit the BreastScreen NSW screening locations web page.

How to book

You do not need a GP referral to book a screening mammogram.

To make an appointment:

Book online
Call 13 20 50
Find a BreastScreen NSW clinic near you, using the location search tool

For interpreter assistance call 13 14 50 (TTY 13 36 77)