Most women who have had treatment for breast cancer will be referred by their doctor for regular breast imaging as part of their follow-up care.
Breast imaging can be carried out using various techniques, but those recommended are mammograms, ultrasound and, for a small group of women, MRI scans.
Mammograms
A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast and is the most common form of breast imaging. There are two types of mammogram -- screening and diagnostic.
Screening mammograms
Screening mammograms are used for women who do not have any symptoms of breast cancer and who have not had breast cancer in the past.
If you are aged 40 or over, have never been diagnosed with breast cancer and currently have no symptoms of breast cancer, you can be screened free of charge at a BreastScreen Australia clinic.
Diagnostic Mammograms
Diagnostic mammograms are recommended for women who have a previous history of breast cancer or who are at high risk of developing breast cancer. Several X-rays are taken in order to obtain views of the breast/s from different angles. You will need a referral from a doctor for a diagnostic mammogram.
In most states and territories, you cannot have your follow-up diagnostic mammograms at a BreastScreen clinic, and so your doctor will refer you to a private or public radiology practice. While there is a Medicare rebate available, many women incur an out-of-pocket cost for their follow-up mammograms. This is an issue about which BCNA is concerned - you might like to read our Cost of Follow Up Mammograms Project 2009 report for more information.
BreastScreen clinics in some states and territories do allow women to return for their follow-up mammograms, however they all have different rules and eligibility criteria. If you are unsure of the rules in your state/territory, you may like to phone BreastScreen on 13 20 50 to ask if you are eligible.
Ultrasound
Some women may also be referred by their doctor for an ultrasound test as part of their follow-up care.
MRI
Some women, particularly those under the age of 50 and who are at high risk of developing breast cancer due to a strong family history or a genetic mutation, are encouraged to undergo annual breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) as part of their regular screening routine. MRI is sometimes a more effective screening tool for younger women, especially those with dense breasts.
MRI scans are very expensive -- up to $700 per scan. There is a Medicare rebate for women at high risk of developing breast cancer. For more information about the rebate, read our Medicare Rebate For Breast MRI For High Risk Women page.
Other forms of breast screening
Sometimes you might hear about other types of breast screening, including thermography (also known as thermal imaging). Thermography has been deregistered for use in Australia by the Therapeutic Goods Administration. It is not recommended by BreastScreen Australia or the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists. There is no Medicare rebate for breast thermography.
More information
- See the Follow-up care page for more information on follow-up care
- Read BCNA's Position statement on Family History and hereditary breast cancer
- Read BCNA's Position statement on Early detection information for women and GPs
- Read about the government's review of the BreastScreen Australia Program and BCNA's submission to it
