As a Gynaecologist and Obstetrician working in Adelaide, I talk with women about their health as part of my work every day. I explain that if you are aged over 40, especially 50 to 74, making time for a screening mammogram at BreastScreen SA is very important.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women but when it’s found at an early stage, treatments are very successful. BreastScreen SA has been providing free screening mammograms (breast X-rays) in South Australia for over 35 years. All women aged over 40 are eligible to make an appointment and it’s a free service. I know that BreastScreen SA have specially trained female radiographers who care and understand that many women may feel unsure or anxious about the screening, but they do a great job at reassuring women and making the test as comfortable as possible.

Breast screening is for healthy women without any breast symptoms. If a woman has a lump, nipple discharge or a change in the size or shape of her breasts it’s important for her to make an appointment to see a GP doctor, to assess the symptoms and refer for diagnostic tests if required.

Therefore, my advice for all women aged 40 and older, without symptoms, is to make an appointment for a screening mammogram at BreastScreen SA. It is a 15-minute test that you continue to have every two years. For women from non-English speaking backgrounds, a female interpreter will be booked for your appointment to help with information, asking questions and completing forms.

Don’t put off or make excuses for not screening. I choose to screen because I want to be in the best health as I get older. I also encourage my friends and family members to screen, so as women we are all supporting each other to be healthy and live life to the full.