BreastScreenNT

BreastScreenNT provides free mammograms for the early detection of breast cancer.

A mammogram is a X-ray picture of the breast that:

  • uses a low dose of X-ray radiation so it is very safe
  • can detect breast cancer that can’t be felt, is small and easy to treat
  • can find other abnormalities that may need further tests but often turn out not cancerous.

Mammograms are the best test available, but just like any medical test, they may miss some very small cancers.

Some cancers may also develop during the time between screening mammograms.

In Australia, one in seven women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.

Who is eligible

To be eligible, you must:

  • be a women over 40 years old (if you are under see below)
  • have a Medicare card
  • have no symptoms of breast cancer (if you do, see below)
  • not be pregnant or breast feeding (if you are, see below).

It is recommended women over 40 have a mammogram every 2 years.

If you are under 40

Screening mammograms are not effective for women under 40 as your breast tissue is denser.

On a mammogram, dense breast tissue and breast cancer both appear as white areas, making it more difficult to detect abnormalities.

You should discuss your best screening options with your GP.

If you have symptoms

If you have symptoms of breast cancer, you should talk to your GP.

Your GP will refer you to a diagnostic imaging practice to get:

  • a diagnostic mammogram and
  • other procedures such as an ultrasound and a biopsy.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding

You should wait until after pregnancy before having a screening mammogram.

This is because your breast tissue is denser so it shows up as solid white, making small cancers very difficult to see.

If you are breastfeeding, you should not have a screening mammogram until 6 months after you have stopped.

If you have symptoms of breast cancer and are breastfeeding or pregnant, read above.

If you have breast implants

A screening mammogram is safe for women with implants.

There may be a very slight chance of damage to your implants but this is rare. You will be asked to sign an additional consent form.

Your implants can also make it harder to see small breast cancers.

If you have implants, it is recommended you also see your GP to have a breast examination as part of your annual health check.

If you're taking or intend to take hormone replacement therapy

You should continue to have a mammogram every 2 years unless advised otherwise.

Before starting, your GP may ask you to get a mammogram with BreastScreenNT. Your results will be sent to your GP.

Preparing for your mammogram

  • Wear a separate top and bottom as you will need to remove your top and bra.
  • Do not wear talcum powder or deodorant.
  • Arrive 10 minutes before your appointment to complete your paperwork.

Having your mammogram

A female radiographer will take your mammogram using a machine.

Before starting, she will explain everything and answer any questions you may have.

The radiographer will then:

  • place your breast on the mammogram machine
  • gently lower the plastic paddle onto to your breast to compress it
  • take pictures from different angles.

This process may feel uncomfortable at times, but it won’t take long. You can also ask her to stop at any time.

In total, the appointment will take around 15 minutes.

For more information, get the fact sheet from the BreastScreen Australia website.

Your results

Your mammogram is looked at by 2 or more radiologists.

If your results are normal, you will receive a letter in about 4 weeks.

With your consent, your results will also be:

  • published to your My Health Record
  • provided to your GP (if you gave their name).

If an area inside your breast needs to be looked at more closely, you will be contacted by a breast care nurse.

She will book you an appointment at an assessment clinic in Darwin or Alice Springs. She will also explain what happens next and answer any questions you may have.

If you come to an assessment clinic and live more than 200km from Darwin or Alice Springs, you can get help with travel and accommodation costs.

The breast care nurse will help organise this through the Patient Assistance Travel Scheme.

For more information about the assessment clinics, get the Darwin assessment clinic brochure PDF (708.3 KB) or the Alice Springs assessment clinic brochure PDF (709.2 KB).

Locations

There are permanent screening sites in Darwin and Palmerston.

Alice Springs also has 2 screening blocks every year in April to May, and August to September.

For all other remote areas, read about the BreastScreenNT bus Millie to find out where and when you can be screened.

Darwin

Level 1 Casuarina Health Services Centre
9 Scaturchio Street
Casuarina NT 0810

Palmerston

Palmerston Health Precinct
Corner of Gurd and Roystonea Avenue
Palmerston NT 0830

Alice Springs

Eurilpa House
25 Todd Street
Alice Springs NT 0870

How to book

You can make an appointment by calling BreastScreenNT on 13 20 50.

More information

For more information about breast screening, go to the BreastScreen Australia website.

Give feedback about this page.

Share this page:

URL copied!
Related information