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Breast cancer screening and prevention

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in females in Australia. One out of every 7 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.

Breast screening saves lives by finding breast cancers early when they’re more easily treated. Finding breast cancer early increases treatment options and reduces the chances of dying from the disease.

BreastScreen Queensland is part of the national BreastScreen Australia program, providing free breast screening to all Queensland woman aged 40 and over. The program is available to women at over 230 locations throughout the state.

Who should have a breast screen?

BreastScreen Queensland provides free breast screening to women who are 40 and over and haven't noticed any changes to their breasts. Breast screening is most effective for women aged 50 to 74. About 80% of breast cancers occur in women over 50.

There are different risks and benefits of breast screening for women in their 40s or over 75 years. If you’re aged 40 to 49 or 75 and over, speak to your doctor to find out if breast screening is right for you.

BreastScreen Queensland doesn’t offer breast screening for women under 40. Research has found that breast screening doesn’t reduce deaths from breast cancer in women under 40. Breast cancer in women under 40 is rare, only accounting for about 5% of breast cancer diagnoses.

The breasts of younger women are usually denser than the breasts of older women. Dense areas of breasts appear white on x-rays. Breast cancers also appear white on x-rays. This makes breast cancers harder to find in x-rays of younger breasts.

Learn more about screening at different ages.

Having a breast screen

A breast screen, also called a mammogram, uses a special x-ray machine to look for very small cancers in breasts that can’t be seen or felt by a woman or her doctor.

During the screen, each breast is placed onto a plate of the screening machine one at a time. The machine then presses the breast onto the plate so the x-rays are as clear as possible. This may be uncomfortable but shouldn’t be painful.

Watch this video on what happens at a breast screen appointment.

Find a BreastScreen Queensland service

You can search for a service location near you on the BreastScreen Queensland website.

BreastScreen Queensland also provides mobile screening services. The BreastScreen Queensland location finder includes the mobile van schedule. If a mobile van will be visiting your area soon, its location will appear in the search results when you put in your postcode.

Contact BreastScreen Queensland

To make an appointment call 13 20 50 or book online.

For any online booking enquiries, email bsqronlinesupport@health.qld.gov.au.

To update your contact details:

Breast changes

Breast screening is not for women who have seen or felt any changes to their breast. If you’ve noticed any breast changes that concern you, speak to your doctor. Read more about the signs and symptoms of breast cancer.

It’s important to be aware of the normal look and feel of your breasts. There is no right or wrong way to do this. If you notice any change to your breasts, you should see your doctor as soon as possible.

Breast changes can be a sign or symptom of breast cancer but could also have other causes. Your doctor will be able to advise you. Breast changes that should be investigated by your doctor include:

  • new lump or lumpiness, especially if it's only in 1 breast
  • change in the size or shape of your breast
  • change to the nipple such as crusting, ulcer, redness or inversion (turning in)
  • nipple discharge that occurs without squeezing
  • change in the skin of your breast such as a rash, redness or dimpling.

Am I at risk of breast cancer?

There are many risk factors for breast cancer. Some are things you can't change and some you can.

Things you can’t change:

  • Gender: being female is the biggest risk factor for breast cancer. Only 1% of breast cancers occur in men.
  • Age: this is the second biggest risk factor for breast cancer. Most breast cancers (about 80%) occur in women over 50.
  • Family history of breast cancer: most breast cancers (95%) occur in women with no family history of breast cancer.

Things you can change to reduce your risk

  • Eat a healthy diet and maintain a healthy body weight: Eat a wide variety of food from all food groups. Increase your fruit and vegetable intake. Limit foods that are high in added fat, sugar and salt.
  • Be active every day: aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity each day. Doing any physical activity is better than doing none.
  • Limit alcohol consumption: research has found that drinking alcohol increases your risk of breast cancer. The more you drink, the more your risk increases. If you choose to drink, have no more than one standard drink a day.

Find out more

Further information

Last updated:
8 August 2023
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