Free screening mammograms through BreastScreenNT

BreastScreenNT (BSNT) provides free screening mammograms for the early detection of breast cancer.

A mammogram is an 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.

Everyone has breast tissue, regardless of their gender. BSNT understands that not everyone identifies with having ‘breasts’ and that some people may find ‘breast’ a gendered word. The term ‘breast’ is used to refer to the tissue affected by breast cancer (breast tissue).

In Australia, one in 7 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Most of these women will be aged over 50.

Who is eligible

To be eligible for a free mammogram, you must:

How often do you have a mammogram

Depending on your age and circumstances, you may have a mammogram every year or 2 years.

Most women should have a mammogram every 2 years from the age of 50.

If you have a family history of breast cancer or are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander women, you should start from the age of 40.

In some circumstances, you may need to have a mammogram every year if you have:

  • a first-degree relative (parent, sibling or child) who has been diagnosed with breast cancer:
    • before the age of 50
    • in both breasts
  • 2 or more first-degree relatives with breast cancer (diagnosed at any age)
  • a close male relative diagnosed with breast cancer at any age
  • been diagnosed with breast cancer
  • had a risk lesion at any time in the past, such as:
    • atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH)
    • lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS)
    • atypical lobular hyperplasia (ALH).

If you don't meet this eligibility and you believe you should be having yearly screenings, complete the breast cancer risk assessment via iPrevent.

Once you've completed it, email the report to breastscreenNT.THS@nt.gov.au with attention to the medical officer.

The medical officer will contact you with their recommendation.

If you're trans or gender diverse

Depending on your circumstances, it may be beneficial for you to do breast screening if you're:

  • a trans woman, or non-binary or gender-diverse person who:
    • was assigned at male at birth and
    • has been using oestrogen for 5 or more years
  • a trans man, or non-binary or gender-diverse person who:
    • was assigned female at birth and
    • has not had gender-affirming chest surgery (top surgery) or has had top surgery but still has some breast tissue.

If you are uncertain about breast screening, speak to your doctor about your personal risk and screening needs.

If you're 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. This makes 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're pregnant or breastfeeding

All x-rays, including screening mammograms, should be avoided during pregnancy. It is recommended to wait until after pregnancy to have a mammogram.

If you are breastfeeding, you should avoid having a screening mammogram until 6 months after you have stopped. This is because your breast tissue is denser during breastfeeding, 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, see your GP or midwife immediately.

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 menopausal hormone therapy (hormone replacement therapy)

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

Before starting therapy, your GP may ask you to get a mammogram with BreastScreenNT. Your results will be sent to you and 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 a BSNT 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 away, 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 assessment clinic brochure for Darwin PDF (708.3 KB) or Alice Springs PDF (709.2 KB).

Breast density

Breast density is how your breast tissue appears on a mammogram. It has no relation to the way your breasts look, feel, or their size.

If you have high breast density, it will appear white on your mammogram.

Breast cancer will also appear white so high breast density can affect the accuracy of your mammogram.

Currently, there is no other commonly used screening pathway for people with high breast density. Having regular mammograms is still the best tool for early breast cancer detection.

BSNT will include your breast density with your results by 2026.

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.

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