Rochedale Family Practice
Breast screening and mammograms
Who routine breast screening is for, what happens at a mammogram and why a new breast symptom needs assessment rather than screening.
Breast screening is intended for people without breast symptoms. In Queensland it is most effective and strongly encouraged from age 50 to 74; people in their 40s and those aged 75 or over may also be eligible. Individual advice may differ according to symptoms, personal history, family history and previous imaging.
At a glance
- Use screening only when you do not have a new breast symptom.
- Check eligibility and the appropriate pathway.
- Tell the service about implants, pregnancy and accessibility needs.
- Attend any recall or further assessment.
- Seek assessment for new breast changes even after normal screening.
Before your appointment
- Confirm the appointment and location.
- Follow BreastScreen Queensland preparation instructions.
- Bring previous imaging details if requested.
- Mention implants, pregnancy, breastfeeding, pain or mobility needs.
- Write down any questions.
At and after the mammogram
- A radiographer positions and compresses each breast for images.
- Tell staff if positioning is painful or difficult.
- Confirm how and when results will arrive.
- Attend any recall or additional assessment.
When to book a GP review
- A new breast or underarm lump.
- New nipple inversion, discharge, crusting or change.
- Skin dimpling, redness, thickening or change in breast shape.
- Persistent focal breast pain or another new change.
- A strong family history or previous high-risk finding needs review.
After screening
- Read the result and follow the recommended next step.
- Keep the report with your health records if useful.
- Book a GP review if the result or future screening plan is unclear.
Emergency advice
Seek urgent medical assessment for a rapidly worsening breast infection with significant illness, or another severe or rapidly worsening problem. Call 000 for a medical emergency.
Rochedale Family Practice is not an emergency service.
Breast screening and mammograms
Who routine breast screening is for, what happens at a mammogram and why a new breast symptom needs assessment rather than screening.
For people considering routine breast screening or preparing for a BreastScreen Queensland mammogram.
Breast screening is intended for people without breast symptoms. In Queensland it is most effective and strongly encouraged from age 50 to 74; people in their 40s and those aged 75 or over may also be eligible. Individual advice may differ according to symptoms, personal history, family history and previous imaging.
Key Actions
At a glance
- Use screening only when you do not have a new breast symptom.
- Check eligibility and the appropriate pathway.
- Tell the service about implants, pregnancy and accessibility needs.
- Attend any recall or further assessment.
- Seek assessment for new breast changes even after normal screening.
Care
Before your appointment
- Confirm the appointment and location.
- Follow BreastScreen Queensland preparation instructions.
- Bring previous imaging details if requested.
- Mention implants, pregnancy, breastfeeding, pain or mobility needs.
- Write down any questions.
Activity
At and after the mammogram
- A radiographer positions and compresses each breast for images.
- Tell staff if positioning is painful or difficult.
- Confirm how and when results will arrive.
- Attend any recall or additional assessment.
Screening is for people without symptoms
A screening mammogram looks for breast cancer before symptoms are noticed. It does not prevent cancer and cannot detect every cancer.
A new lump, nipple change, discharge, skin change or persistent focal pain needs clinical assessment; do not wait for or substitute a routine screening appointment.
Check whether routine screening fits you
BreastScreen Queensland strongly encourages screening for eligible women aged 50 to 74 and also accepts eligible women in their 40s and aged 75 or over. People under 40 are not eligible for this routine program.
Previous breast cancer, implants, pregnancy, breastfeeding, disability, gender diversity, high inherited risk or ongoing specialist surveillance may change the appropriate pathway. Ask your GP or BreastScreen Queensland.
Prepare for the mammogram
Follow the service's appointment instructions and bring previous imaging details if requested. Tell staff about implants, mobility needs, pain, pregnancy or anything that may affect positioning.
The breast is positioned and briefly compressed for each image. Compression may be uncomfortable; tell the radiographer if you are in pain or need support.
Understand results and follow-up
Screening results are not an immediate diagnosis. Some people are recalled for more imaging or assessment, and most recalls do not ultimately mean breast cancer.
Confirm how results will be sent and follow every recommended assessment. Seek clinical review for a new symptom even after a recent normal mammogram.
Contact
When to contact the practice
Book a breast assessment
- A new breast or underarm lump.
- New nipple inversion, discharge, crusting or change.
- Skin dimpling, redness, thickening or change in breast shape.
- Persistent focal breast pain or another new change.
- A strong family history or previous high-risk finding needs review.
Follow-Up
After screening
- Read the result and follow the recommended next step.
- Keep the report with your health records if useful.
- Book a GP review if the result or future screening plan is unclear.
Next Actions
Next steps
Related
Related patient information
Care at Rochedale
Related care at Rochedale Family Practice
External Resources
Authoritative links
- Who can have a breast screen? opens in a new tabBreastScreen Queensland
Current Queensland eligibility and screening information.
- Breast screening opens in a new tabHealthdirect Australia
Australian information about mammograms, benefits, limitations and symptoms.