When to recommend breast screening

Eligibility for screening

BreastScreen Queensland invites asymptomatic women aged 50 to 74 to have free screening mammograms every 2 years.

Women aged 40 to 49, and 75 years and over are eligible for screening mammograms with BreastScreen Queensland. We recommend that women in these age groups talk to their doctor first to discuss whether breast screening is right for them.

Different risks and benefits for different age groups

Breast screening is proven to be effective in reducing morbidity and mortality for breast cancer in women aged 50 to 74.

The evidence of breast screening in other age groups isn’t as strong and there are different risks and benefits for women aged 40 to 49 and 75 and over.

Read more about screening at different ages.

Women with breast symptoms

BreastScreen Queensland doesn’t offer diagnostic mammograms for women with breast symptoms. Symptomatic women should be referred for diagnostic mammography outside the BreastScreen Queensland program.

Women with a family history of breast cancer

Women with a strong family history of breast cancer may be eligible to attend one of the following clinics in Queensland Health outside of the BreastScreen Queensland Program:

• Breast Cancer Family Clinic
• Familial Breast Cancer Clinic

Learn more about these services, including eligibility criteria and referral processes.

We advise women who believe they might have a very strong family history of breast cancer to talk to their doctor before they make a breast screening appointment.

Assessment clinics

BreastScreen Queensland runs assessment clinics to further investigate abnormalities detected during breast screening.

Procedures offered at our assessment clinics include ultrasounds and needle biopsies. Women requiring open biopsies are referred outside the program.

Health professionals can’t refer women directly to a BreastScreen Queensland assessment clinic.