Important BreastScreen Victoria program information

Important BreastScreen Victoria program information

01 December, 2020

During COVID-19, BreastScreen Victoria (BSV) has reduced the number of appointments available to clients in order to carry out breast screening safely.

The program is currently experiencing high demand for its service, and high wait times for an appointment at some clinics.

To ensure that BreastScreen Victoria can continue to deliver a safe and sustainable service, they have introduced a temporary measure to screen those most at risk of developing cancer first.

BreastScreen Victoria’s program is still available to all eligible Victorian women and some transgender and gender diverse people. Breast cancer affects more Victorian women in the 50-74 age group who are at a higher risk of developing the disease, we are therefore prioritising these clients.

Anyone aged 40-49 or 75+ who wants to commence screening for the first time, or is not in an existing annual screener (at increased risk) with BreastScreen Victoria, will go on a waiting list. These clients will be invited to screen as soon as there are appointments available at their preferred clinic location.

BreastScreen Victoria’s program is still available to all eligible Victorians; however, breast cancer diagnoses affect more Victorians in the 50-74 age group who are at a higher risk of developing the disease. Therefore, anyone aged 40-49 who wants to commence screening for the first time, who is over 75 years of age, or is not an annual screener (at increased risk), will go on a waiting list.

BreastScreen Victoria estimates the average waiting time for an appointment could be six months or more for impacted clients. This is unlikely to result in long-term health implications for low-risk individuals.

Given the increased waiting times, please recommend an alternative imaging provider or pathway if clinically indicated. GP’s should perform a risk assessment for these patients and arrange alternative imaging though a private facility or through the public hospital breast clinics or diagnostic imaging services where appropriate.

Please note, BreastScreen Victoria is a population-screening program for eligible Victorians with no breast symptoms.

BreastScreen Victoria is advising clients to stay breast aware, and to consult a GP if they notice any breast changes or new breast symptoms.

For more information and advice on how you can support your patients, please refer to the Q&A below:

Client question

Answers/Actions

I am aged 40-49, and I have never had a breast screen. Can I book an appointment with BreastScreen Victoria?

  • You are still eligible for BreastScreen Victoria’s program. However, due to very high demand for the service, there is a waiting list for an appointment.
  • It may take six months or more to get an appointment with BreastScreen Victoria.
  • If you’re concerned about your breast health, I recommend we look at a breast cancer risk assessment and discuss whether an alternate pathway is appropriate for you [GP to provide further advice].
  • EXCEPTION: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients aged 40-49 can book an appointment regardless of whether they have screened previously or not.
  • If you decide to go on the waiting list, please call 13 20 50.

I am aged 40-49 or 75+ and normally screen every two years (average risk). Can I book an appointment with BreastScreen Victoria?

  • You are still eligible for BreastScreen Victoria’s program. However, due to very high demand for the service, there is an increased wait time for an appointment.
  • It may take six months or more to get an appointment with BreastScreen Victoria.
  • If you’re concerned about your breast health, I recommend we look at a breast cancer risk assessment and discuss whether an alternate pathway is appropriate for you [GP to provide further advice].
  • EXCEPTION: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients aged 40-49 can book an appointment regardless of whether they have screened previously or not.
  • If you decide to go on the waiting list, please call 13 20 50.

I am aged 40-49 or 75+ and screen every year/annually (at increased risk) with BreastScreen Victoria. Can I book an appointment?

  • Yes, you can book an appointment with BreastScreen Victoria. Please call 13 20 50 or book online at www.breastscreen.org.au

How do I know if I’m at a high risk of developing breast cancer, and therefore able to book an appointment?

  • BSV’s family history risk is determined at a breast screen appointment. You would have been advised by BSV that you are high risk.
  • If you are aged 40-49, have screened with BSV previously and were identified as an annual screener (at increased risk), you can still book a breast screen appointment.

I am aged 40-49 and have never screened with BSV. I am worried about my family history risk. What should I do?

  • There are online risk assessment tools that can help to look at your family history risk and guide our discussions about screening options
  • i-Prevent is an online breast cancer risk assessment and risk management tool from the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre that you can complete
  • I can also use the Cancer Australia FRA-BOC online tool to look at your risk.
  • [For GP background only:

o reassure the majority of women who are at population risk, based on their family history

  • identify women who should be referred to a family cancer clinic for further assessment and advice]
  • After completing an online assessment tool, if you are concerned about your breast health, I recommend we discuss whether an alternate pathway is appropriate for you [GP to provide further advice].

I am aged 40-49 or 75+ and have breast cancer symptoms. I want a breast screen. What should I do?

● BSV is for clients who have no symptoms.

  • If you notice any breast changes or symptoms, I can advise you on the next steps. 
  • If you have symptoms, we can discuss diagnostic imaging. This is different to the BreastScreen program and involves more targeted tests.

Why has BSV decided on this temporary measure?

  • During COVID-19, BSV has had to reduce the number of appointments to allow more time in-between clients, to create physical distancing and clean thoroughly, so breast screens are carried out safely.
  • As a result, they’re experiencing high demand for the service and high wait times at some clinics.
  • They’ve introduced this temporary measure to make sure they can continue to deliver a safe and sustainable service.
  • The risk of developing breast cancer increases with age, with most breast cancers occurring over the age of 50. Screening mammography is known to be most effective in women aged 50-74 age group.
  • This change is unlikely to result in significant adverse health outcomes for low-risk patients

Where can I get more information?

● Talk to your GP, or any other GP, if you have any concerns

  • Visit breastscreen.org.au or call 13 20 50