What happens at your screening
Frequently asked questions
To your appointment, wear two separate pieces of clothing, like a top with a skirt or trousers, so you can remove just the top when needed, without having to change completely.
Plan to arrive early to finalise your registration forms. When you arrive, a receptionist will welcome you, explain the process and check your details.
Booked online? You won’t need to complete any paperwork. But if any personal details or breast symptoms have changed since you booked, please let us know.
Booked by phone? You’ll need to sign a form and confirm your details.
- Once your details are confirmed, a woman radiographer will take you to the mammography room.
- The radiographer will explain the test. Feel tree to ask questions.
- You will then be asked to remove your top and bra. A gown is available if you’d like to wear one.
- The radiographer will position you for your breast screen, which requires her to touch your breasts and adjust your body to ensure each breast is in position to take clear images.
- Pressure is used to get clear images of your breast tissue. The pressure will be firm, but it should not be painful.
- Two images of each breast are taken from the side angle and from the top. Additional images may be required.
- After the radiographer takes and checks the images to ensure they are of high quality, you can dress.
BreastScreen Victoria uses 2D digital mammography for breast screening.
If you’re called back for further tests to one of our assessment clinics, we use tomosynthesis (also known as 3D mammography) to investigate changes detected on your x-rays from your breast screen.
Some people may feel discomfort during the breast screen, but it should only last a few seconds. This is because your breasts need to be pressed firmly between 2 plates on the mammogram machine to capture clear x-ray images.
Let the radiographer know if you feel any pain. She’ll work with you to ensure your breast screen is as comfortable as possible.
Remember, you can ask the radiographer to stop the breast screen at any time.
Compression holds the breasts still and spreads out the breast tissue so we can get a clear image on the x-ray. It also decreases the amount of radiation required for each x-ray image.
You’ll feel the pressure on your breast for around 30 seconds. Once the image is taken, the pressure releases.
Results will take 2 to 4 weeks, with a copy sent to your nominated doctor. You will get a reminder for your next appointment.
You can ask the radiographer to stop at any time during the screen.
You can also let the radiographer know if you have any concerns, and she’ll be happy to answer any questions.