• What is BreastScreen Victoria?
• What happens after my mammogram has been taken?
• How do I contact BreastScreen Victoria?
• Where do I attend for my screening mammogram and assessment, if required?
• How do I find out when the Mobile Screening Service will be in my area?

What is BreastScreen Victoria?
BreastScreen Victoria is a government funded mammography screening program for women without breast symptoms or breast problems. The program aims to detect breast cancer early in its development when treatment can be most effective. If a woman presents to BreastScreen with a symptom BreastScreen recommends that she see her General Practitioner for diagnostic follow up. For further information refer to BreastScreen Victoria's " Do You Have Breast Symptoms?".

Mammography screening has been found to be most effective with women in the 50 - 69 age group. BreastScreen Victoria is specifically providing for these women, actively inviting them to participate and recalling them when they are due for their next mammogram (every 2 years). Women aged 40 - 49, or 70 and over, may also be screened within the BreastScreen program if they wish.

Victoria has a network of services around the state: eight regional assessment centres, over 40 screening centres and a central appointment service.

BreastScreen Victoria has published a range of materials about mammography screening, some of them in a range of languages. Find out how to access these materials in our Resources / Booklets section.

For further information refer to BreastScreen Victoria.

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What happens after my mammogram has been taken?
After the screening mammogram has been taken, two radiologists from the assessment team read it. The majority of mammograms show no abnormalities.

In a small number of cases a woman may require some further investigation by the BreastScreen multi-disciplinary assessment team. This team includes radiologists, surgeons, pathologists, radiographers and nurse counsellors. The assessment team may decide to do further diagnostic procedures before they complete their assessment.

If a woman is assessed as clear of breast cancer she remains within the BreastScreen program and is recalled 2 years later for her next mammogram.

If a woman is assessed as having breast cancer, she moves out of the BreastScreen program and into the regular health care services for her treatment.

Written notification of screening results are provided to the woman and her General Practitioner (if she has nominated one).

Interpreter services are available within the program, for women who require them.

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How do I contact BreastScreen Victoria?
All bookings for a screening mammogram with BreastScreen Victoria are done centrally. Call 13 20 50 toll free to make an appointment.

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Where do I attend for my screening mammogram and assessment, if required?
In Bendigo there is a permanent BreastScreen Centre located at 375 Barnard Street. It provides both screening and assessment, and services a large portion of the Loddon and Southern Mallee Region.

A Rural Mobile Screening Service visits the Loddon Mallee Region two yearly at Echuca, Kerang and Swan Hill. If, after the screening, a woman requires further assessment by the multidisciplinary assessment team she is asked to attend at the Bendigo centre.

Mildura has a permanent site for screening at Sunraysia BreastScreen, Healthscope Crt. If, after the screening, a woman requires further assessment by the multidisciplinary assessment team she is asked to attend at St. Vincent's BreastScreen in Melbourne.

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How do I find out when the Mobile Screening Service will be in my area?
Ring the BreastScreen booking phone on 13 20 50.

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