Take the time to get to know the normal look and feel of your breasts as part of your daily routine, for example, while showering, dressing, putting on body lotion or simply looking in the mirror. You don’t have to be an expert or use a special technique.
Knowing what is normal for you will help you to detect any new breast changes.
If you find a breast change that is unusual for you, see your GP without delay, even if you’re having regular screening mammograms. Nine out of ten breast changes are not due to cancer, but see your doctor to be sure.
It’s recommended that women aged 50–74 years have a screening mammogram every two years as this is the age group in which the benefit of mammography screening has been shown to be the greatest. BreastScreen Australia offers free screening mammograms for women aged 40 years and over.
Talk to your doctor about what mammography screening involves and the possible outcomes.
To make an appointment for a free screening mammogram, call BreastScreen Australia on 13 20 50 for the cost of a local call anywhere in Australia.