However some women who arrive for breast x-ray screening do have breast symptoms, so several questions about symptoms are included on the form completed at the screening visit. It is most important to answer these questions fully as they may assist the BreastScreen doctors examining the x-rays to distinguish between harmless symptoms and those that may be due to breast cancer. If the symptoms reported are unclear, a staff member will phone the woman to discuss whether or not she needs to be examined. BreastScreen is extremely careful to be as thorough as possible, even if breast changes or symptoms seem very minor. Remember, the great majority of women with breast symptoms do not have breast cancer.
Many symptoms are due to normal breast changes, which are often called 'benign breast conditions'.
If you are worried about any breast problem, it is important to see your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor will refer you to a specialist or a diagnostic breast clinic, if necessary. Some of these clinics do not require a doctor's referral. Click here for information on some diagnostic breast clinics in Melbourne.