Mammography: What to Expect & How to Prepare

A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast used to detect and diagnose breast disease. It is the most effective screening tool for detecting breast cancer early - often years before a lump can be felt.

There are two types of mammograms:

• Screening mammogram - a routine check for women with no symptoms, usually part of BreastScreen Australia's free program • Diagnostic mammogram - a more detailed examination when a lump, pain, or other breast change has been detected

Routine screening for women without symptoms is provided free through the government-run BreastScreen Australia program. Eligibility and screening intervals are set by the program and are broadly age-based - check the current details directly with BreastScreen (in Victoria, via the BreastScreen Victoria website) rather than relying on a third-party summary.

Women at higher risk (family history, genetic mutations like BRCA1/BRCA2) may be advised to start earlier and screen more frequently - your GP can advise on the right schedule for your personal risk level.

If you notice any changes in your breasts at any age - a lump, skin changes, nipple discharge, or pain - see your GP promptly. That's a diagnostic pathway, not screening. See our BreastScreen vs diagnostic mammogram guide for the difference.

• Schedule your mammogram for 1-2 weeks after your period when breasts are least tender • Don't apply deodorant, antiperspirant, powder, or cream to your underarms or chest on the day - these can show up as white spots on the images • Wear a two-piece outfit so you only need to remove your top • Bring your previous mammogram images if you've had them done at a different clinic • Tell the clinic if you have breast implants - they require a modified technique • Let the staff know if you are breastfeeding or think you might be pregnant

A mammogram takes about 10-20 minutes in total.

The radiographer will position one breast at a time on a flat plate. A second plate presses down from above to compress the breast firmly. This compression is necessary to spread the tissue for clear images and to reduce the radiation dose.

You'll feel pressure and possibly some discomfort, but it only lasts a few seconds per image. Two images are usually taken of each breast - one from above and one from the side.

If you find mammograms particularly uncomfortable, paracetamol taken 30-60 minutes before your appointment may help.

• BreastScreen Australia: Free for eligible women (no referral needed - check eligibility with the program directly) • Medicare-referred diagnostic mammogram: $0-$80 out-of-pocket • Private/no referral: $150-$350

BreastScreen Australia is a free national screening program - you book directly with the program, not through a radiology clinic. For diagnostic mammograms (investigating a specific concern), you'll need a referral from your doctor and Medicare will cover most or all of the cost.

Your images are reviewed by a radiologist. Results are usually available within 1-2 weeks for screening mammograms and faster for diagnostic ones.

If your mammogram is normal, you'll be invited back in 2 years for your next screening.

If something abnormal is detected, don't panic - most abnormalities on mammograms are not cancer. You may be called back for additional imaging (extra mammogram views, ultrasound, or MRI) or a biopsy to get more information.

Early detection through regular mammograms significantly improves breast cancer outcomes. When breast cancer is found early, the 5-year survival rate is over 90%.