PROTECTING YOUR PRIVACY

Who is BreastScreen Victoria?

BreastScreen Victoria is a government funded breast cancer screening program for women in Australia. The Program aims to detect breast cancer early in its development when treatment can be most effective. BreastScreen Victoria specifically targets women aged 50-69 as breast x-ray screening has been found to be most effective for women in this age range.

BreastScreen Victoria has a network of services around the state consisting of regional assessment centres and associated screening centres. The Program also employs a rural mobile screening service and relocatable to ensure that the service reaches women in all areas. BreastScreen Victoria has a central coordination unit, information registry and appointment service so that BreastScreen can offer screening and assessment services to Victorian Women.

What information do we collect and keep about you?

When you become a client of BreastScreen Victoria information is collected and kept in a paper record and electronically on the BreastScreen information system. Your records contain the information you provide to us when you attend for screening, such as your name, address, family history or symptoms of breast cancer, and information about the service we provide to you. We also make note of any special needs you may have such as interpreters or physical assistance. When applicable, we collect information about care and treatment you receive outside the Program that relates to your breast x-ray. New information is added to your records every time you attend or have contact with BreastScreen Victoria.

Why do we collect your information? What do we use it for?

Screening and Assessment Services

BreastScreen Victoria is committed to providing a high quality breast cancer screening and assessment service and works with skilled health and medical specialists. The information we collect and keep helps us to provide you with an appropriate service and to maintain and improve the Program.

If you move between BreastScreen Victoria Services your paper record is transferred and your electronic information made available to your chosen screening and assessment centre and screening site. If you move interstate your information will only be transferred with your consent.

We recommend that women aged 50 to 69 have a screening breast x-ray every two years. It is part of our service to send you a letter inviting you back to BreastScreen Victoria when you are due for your next screening breast-xray.

If BreastScreen Victoria has referred you to other health services or if you have had further breast investigations outside the Program, BreastScreen may contact the service to obtain information regarding the care and treatment you received. This process forms part of our comprehensive approach to delivering breast cancer screening services.

Research

Information about you that does not identify you may be used in research projects. Research projects are conducted to evaluate and improve BreastScreen Victoria screening services and to investigate breast disease. BreastScreen Victoria believes that this research results in better health outcomes for women. For research projects that may involve you personally, you will be contacted by BreastScreen Victoria and asked if you would like to take part in the research. Taking part in this sort of research is always your choice. Researchers who work with BreastScreen or have access to information held by the Program, must follow strict guidelines and maintain the confidentiality of the information and the individual at all times.

Other Uses

BreastScreen Victoria recognises the benefit of ongoing education for staff and health professionals involved with the Program. Throughout the Program regular education sessions, clinical meetings and technical discussions occur which may identify individuals. Information that does not identify you may also be used to monitor, evaluate and improve our services and to plan for the future. This information will be used to produce reports about breast cancer screening for BreastScreen Victoria and may also be disclosed to government for the monitoring and evaluation of our service.

Who do we disclose information to?

After your screening breast x-ray, BreastScreen Victoria sends a letter containing your results to your doctor if you have nominated one on the Registration form. It is also possible that after your screening breast x-ray you will be referred to other health services.

We may need to share information about you and in most circumstances we will only release information with your consent. Sometimes it may be necessary to release information to your doctor without your consent for immediate ongoing care and treatment. We do this in accordance with section 141 of the Health Services Act (1988) and section 62 of the Cancer Act (1958).

We are also required by law to report cases of cancer to the Victorian Cancer Registry in accordance with section 60 of the Cancer Act (1958). Subpoenaed information may also be provided to a court or tribunal.

How do we protect your information?

The people involved in collecting, using and disclosing your information within BreastScreen Victoria have a legal obligation to keep information about you confidential. BreastScreen Victoria and the people working within the Program are obliged to comply with all relevant privacy legislation.

Your paper record and electronic information is stored securely at the screening and assessment service connected to the screening centre that you attend. Your electronic information is also securely stored at the central BreastScreen Victoria Registry in Melbourne. Only authorised people have access to your information.

Information about you can only be destroyed after a specified time. As long as you participate in the BreastScreen Victoria Program your information will be kept. Most information must be kept for a minimum of 7 years in accordance with legal requirements

Can you refuse to share your information?

The information we collect is important and essential to providing you with appropriate breast cancer screening and assessment services. We ask that you assist us by providing accurate and complete information. If you do not wish to share some of your information with us you may not be able to participate in the BreastScreen Program or you may affect the quality and outcome of the service you receive. Failure to consent for breast x-ray screening will result in you being unable to participate in the Program.

How can you access your information?

The Health Records Act (2001) and the Freedom of Information Act (1982) in most circumstances allows you to have access to your records and information. If there is information that is incorrect you are able to request that the information be amended.

If you would like more information on how to request access to your records, please contact the Manager of Registry and Information Services, BreastScreen Victoria on (03) 9650 1411.

How to contact us?

If you have any questions regarding privacy and what happens to your information, please contact the Manager of Registry and Information Services, BreastScreen Victoria on (03) 9650 1411.

More information:
BreastScreen Victoria Privacy Policy (pdf file)

You can download Acrobat Reader free of charge to read this pdf file.