Radiation and mammography
Mammography delivers a low dose of ionising radiation which occurs naturally in the environment. The levels of 2D and 3D mammography radiation are safe and well within Australian guidelines.
The average dose level is comparable to the amount of radiation a person would receive when flying from Australia to London and back, or three months exposure to naturally occurring radiation in the environment.
At each BreastScreen centre, the machines are routinely monitored and tested to ensure the radiation falls within acceptable levels.
Thyroid cancer concerns unsupported
The thyroid is not exposed to the direct x-ray beam during a breast screen.
The radiation dose to the thyroid is incredibly low, and scientific literature does not support an increased likelihood of developing thyroid cancer.
We do not endorse the use of thyroid guards during screening.
More information
- Download the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency's PDF document Having a scan? A guide for medical imaging