Breast screening FAQ's

We recommend starting routine annual screening at the age of 40.

Less than 1% of women who attend regular breast screening are found to have cancer.

We recommend having a mammogram every year. 

Please discuss this with your doctor and they will advise the best screening plan for you. 

You can begin screening under 40 years of you are experiencing concerning symptoms and have a doctors referral. 

If you would like to begin routine screening early please discuss this with your doctor. 

If you are under 40 years or experiencing any concerning symptoms we will require a referral.

Please see your doctor prior to making an appointment with us. Once you have received a referral send a copy to our administration team via [email protected]

The doctor will discuss your screening with you during your appointment. You can also request to receive your results which will be published within 2 working days of your appointment.

Your GP will receive your results within 2 working days of your appointment.

In private, you can book into a clinic for a mammogram if you are over 40.
In public, If you are over 45 you can get two yearly screening mammograms for free: https://www.timetoscreen.nz/breast-screening/sign-up/

It is good to allow 30mins- 1 hour for the appointment.  Please note that acute patient appointments may take longer.

Unexpected delays can occur.  If there is a delay that affects your appointment time, our reception team will advise you as soon as possible so you can choose to make another booking if you are unable to wait.

It’s a good idea to wear a skirt or trousers (rather than a dress) for comfort. You will be asked to remove your top & bra and put on a gown for the duration of your appointment 

Some women experience discomfort, however, if you are experiencing pain during the mammogram please advise the radiographer. 

A Three-dimensional (3D) mammogram, also known as breast tomosynthesis, is a type of digital mammography in which x-ray machines are used to take many pictures of thin slices of the breast to produce a 3D image. This improves cancer detection and reduces the number of biopsies.

All patients have 3D Mammography at ABC.

No, tomosythensis is a type of digital mammography. 

The 3D tomosynthesis takes images through the breast while the mammogram is taken, and the computer reconstructs this into 1mm slices through the breast.

Our specialist radiologist reads this in conjunction with the state of the art 2D digital images.

This improves cancer detection and reduces the number of unnecessary biopsies.

A mammogram is our gold standard of breast screening and an ultrasound is additional screening to check dense breasts, and areas of interest demonstrated in the mammogram.

You will have an ultrasound after your mammogram if you have high breast density or are experiencing concerning symptoms. 

A breast ultrasound does not replace a mammogram but is used as additional screening to check dense breasts, and areas of interest demonstrated in the mammogram.

Mammography is the gold standard for screening for breast cancers. 

If you are over 40 an ultrasound will not be used as a standalone screening. 

Yes, please advise us if you have implants when making the appointment so we can allow extra time. 

If you have had previous screening in New Zealand, then we will be able to access your images for comparison.

Your breast density if determined from Volpara software during your mammogram. If you have high density, then an additional ultrasound will be recommended.

Your breast density can change throughout your lifetime, usually reducing after menopause. 

No, we will only perform an ultrasound.

You may have a mammogram 3 months after you finish breast feeding.

There are exceptions to this which we will explain to you if you require one. 

The dose of radiation used is very low and less than you would get in a year from natural radiation.

We use the latest mammography technology called tomosynthesis and we have installed dose reduction software so that the total radiation is 30% less than with conventional mammography. 

Biopsy results take up to 3-5 working days.

After your biopsy our reception team will make an appointment for you to see one of our breast specialists to discuss the results.

Yes, if you have a concern or high breast density. Your GP will need to refer you to ABC.

Your ultrasound will be booked approximately 3 weeks after your mammogram with the public system. 

No, please contact our administration team to make an appointment. 

You may also come into the clinic to make an appointment. 

Yes, you are able to pay privately. Please ask for a quotation when making your appointment. 

You will be asked to remove your shirt and bra. 

We will provide a robe to wear for the duration of your appointment and a carry bag for your clothes and belongings. 

Yes, we can apply for your prior approval. Please let us know your policy number when making your appointment.

If you are insured with another company you will have to apply for prior approval yourself. Please ask for a quote when making your appointment. We will also ask you to settle the bill after the appointment and we will provide the receipt for you to submit to your insurer.

Women who have a first degree relative (ie; their mother or a sister) who has had breast cancer should start having mammograms ten years in age before the age at which their relative was diagnosed.

Invasive ductal cancer, invasive lobular cancer and DCIS-Ductal carcinoma in situ are the most common types of breast cancer.

Breast Cancer Foundation NZ outlines a variety of questions to ask your specialist. 

Breast cancer is usually not an emergency so there is time for planning for your treatment. The guidelines say that the first treatment should take place before 60 days after your diagnosis but current access means that it will take place much sooner than that.

Breast Cancer Foundation NZ outlines the real signs of breast cancer. 

Breast Cancer Foundation NZ offers further information regarding hair loss and wigs & headwear. 

Take a look at Breast Cancer Foundation NZ to see how to reduce your risk.

Learn how to check your breasts via Breast Cancer Foundation NZ 

Yes, absolutely. Your GP or specialist can refer you to the nearest public hospital.