The Breast Screen Initiative

Breast Cancer Screening Saves Lives

Breast Cancer is the most common cancer affecting Australian women

Even though every Australian State offers free mammograms for women over 40, less than 55% of women are screened.

Many Australian states also report on breast density: a measure of how well x-rays see through the breast.

But Why?

Because density is a risk factor for breast cancer. And for people with dense breasts, a standard mammogram often cannot see the cancer.

The Breast Screen Initiative (an initiative of AGPN) needs your help to raise awareness of the importance of screening and following up with your GP if you have dense breasts.

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I went to an AGPN info session and learned about breast density. So when my results showed I had dense breasts, I knew to speak to my GP. She recommended an MRI and that's when they found the cancer.
It was just about to spread. I keep thinking: what if I hadn't known to ask? That one conversation changed everything.

Alison, 43, Adelaide

I listened to Susan talk about breast screening at an information session and booked my free mammogram the next day. It was so easy to book. I can't believe I put it off

Debra, 62, Sydney

I came to the AGPN information breakfast and hadn't realised I could get a mammogram at 40!

Karen, 41, Adelaide

I almost skipped my mammogram — I felt fine and life was busy. But AGPN jogged my elbow and so I went, and they found something early. I’m so grateful I didn’t wait.

Maria, 50, Sydney

Risk

In Australia, women have a 1 in 7 lifetime risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer.

Diagnosis

Breast cancer may be identified via a self test, or more often through the national, free, state based breast screening programs

National Screening

Breast screening programs are provided across Australia for women aged 40 to 74, providing fully funded mammograms. These programs are for people with no symptoms.

Men too...

Many people are unaware that breast cancer can affect Men as well as women.

1 in 550 men will get breast cancer with around 200 diagnosed every year.

No Tracking

Unlike Bowel and Cervical cancer there is no national system to remind patients and their doctors that they are due to have breast screening.

Reminders are often missed when people move, change doctors or do not remember.

Density

Desnisty is a major predictor. Every unit in density increase is a 2-3% increase in lifetime risk.

If you have been identified as having high density breasts, speak to your GP about your risks.