Screening for breast cancer
Every year, more and more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have breast screening. This is done by mammography, which is an x-ray for the breast. Breast screening can find cancers that are very small – too small to be seen or felt by you or your doctor. When cancers are small, they’re more easily treated.
If you’re a woman over 40, you can have a free breast screen every 2 years. A test can be arranged for you by your doctor, nurse or Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander health worker.
You can book in for a breast screen by yourself too – see this list of breast screen services to contact. If you live in a rural or remote town, a mobile testing van might sometimes come to your area. Your doctor, nurse and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander health worker could help find out when that will visit next.
Some resources to provide more information about the breast cancer screening program:
