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?
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I am aged 40-49 or 75+ and normally screen every two years (average risk). Can I book an appointment with BreastScreen Victoria?
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I am aged 40-49 or 75+ and screen every year/annually (at increased risk) with BreastScreen Victoria. Can I book an appointment? |
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How do I know if I’m at a high risk of developing breast cancer, and therefore able to book an appointment? |
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I am aged 40-49 and have never screened with BSV. I am worried about my family history risk. What should I do? |
o reassure the majority of women who are at population risk, based on their family history
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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.
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Why has BSV decided on this temporary measure?
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Where can I get more information? | ● Talk to your GP, or any other GP, if you have any concerns
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