We are committed to ensuring that our services are inclusive and accessible for all people regardless of their gender identity.
Everyone has breast tissue; we use the term 'breast' to refer to the tissue affected by breast cancer.
All BreastScreen ACT staff have completed diversity and inclusion training. We respect your pronouns, and gender identity. We aim to create a safe and inclusive clinic for everyone.
What are the Risk Factors for Breast Cancer?
The research relating to breast cancer risk shows drinking alcohol and smoking are significant risk factors which increases the chance of developing breast cancer. Some risk factors we can't change like age, gender, genetics, and family history.
For every 100 cisgender women diagnosed with breast cancer, 80 will be aged 50 years and over. It is recommended that cis women, aged 50 – 74 years, have a screen every two years.
It is recommended that trans women who have been on hormones (estrogen) for more than 5 years, aged 50-74 years, have a screen every two years.
Screening can pick up the presence of some cancers in early stages before they can be seen or felt.
Please contact our BreastScreen Clinical Coordinator on (02) 5124 1816 if you have any questions.
Do I need Screening?
Eligible Canberrans between the high-risk ages of 50-74 years are highly encouraged to have a screen.
Trans women
If you have been taking gender-affirming hormones (like estrogen) for five years or more, screening every two years is recommended.
If you have taken hormones for less than five years, or have not taken hormones, screening is not recommended.
Trans men
If you have not had chest surgery, screening every two years is recommended.
There are no clear recommendations for people who have had chest/top surgery. We suggest talking to your doctor about your individual risk factors including previous surgical and hormone treatment. If your doctor confirms that you have no remaining breast tissue, screening is not recommended.
Gender diverse/ non-binary people
If you were assigned female at birth and have not had chest surgery, screening is recommended. There are no clear recommendations for people who have had chest/top surgery.
We suggest talking to your doctor about your individual risk factors including previous surgical and hormone treatment. If your doctor confirms that you have no remaining breast tissue, screening is not recommended.
If you were assigned male at birth and have been taking hormones (like estrogen) for 5 years or more, screening every two years is recommended.
What is screening?
Screening is checking for cancer before you have any symptoms. If you notice any symptoms or obvious changes, you should visit your GP as soon as possible.
Ask your doctor about your personal risk factors and the need for screening.
Getting to know the normal look and feel of your breasts/chest is important so you can identify any unusual changes. You can find more information in our Breast Changes brochure.
What will you ask me?
- If you have breast/chest implants. If you do, the screening will take longer.
- We also ask everyone if they:
- have had breast/chest surgery
- are taking hormone therapy.
We ask these questions because they may change how your screening images look.
More information
We have more information about BreastScreen, including where we’re located and what to expect at an appointment.
If you are trans or gender diverse and would like to speak with a nurse or make an initial appointment, please call us on (02) 6205 5053 or email breastscreen@act.gov.au.
For group bookings email breastscreen@act.gov.au.
How do I book an appointment?
Call (02) 6205 5053 to speak to a nurse for your initial booking or email breastscreen@act.gov.au.
For group bookings email breastscreen@act.gov.au.
