How should I get ready for an appointment?
To make your breast screening experience more comfortable, here are some tips to prepare:
Wear a two-piece outfit
Choose a skirt or pants with a top. This way, you’ll only need to remove your top clothing during the screening.
Skip the products
On the day of your screening, don’t use deodorants, powders, creams or perfumes. These can affect the x-ray pictures and make it harder to get clear results.
Bring a support person
If you feel nervous or need support, you can bring a friend, sister or aunty for support. Having someone you know can help you feel more at ease during the appointment.
Arrive early
Plan to arrive 10 to 15 minutes before your appointment. You may need to fill out a short form or confirm some details with the staff before the screening starts.
Stay calm
It’s normal to feel a little nervous, but the screening will only take up to 20 minutes and the x-ray process is quick. If you feel uncomfortable at any time, let the staff know – they’re there to help make your experience as comfortable as possible.
What to expect during your breast screening
When you arrive at the clinic:
- You’ll be warmly welcomed by a staff member.
- They will explain what to expect.
- You might need to fill out some paperwork and confirm your details.
When you’re in the screening room:
- A staff member will take you to a private space for comfort.
- You will place your breast on the x-ray machine and the machine will gently press it for a few seconds to take some pictures.
- You may feel a little discomfort, but it won’t last long. If it’s too uncomfortable, you can let the radiographer know.
After the screening:
- Your results will be reviewed and sent to you in 2 to 4 weeks.
- If everything looks normal, you’ll be notified by letter or email and encouraged to return in 2 years for another screening.
- If something unusual is found, you may be asked to come back for further tests. This doesn’t necessarily mean you have cancer; it just means they need to take a closer look.
If you’d like to know more before you book your breast screen, check out our understanding breast screening or resources pages.