Breast Screening
Harbour Radiology offers a premium, compassionate and comprehensive breast screening service across Metropolitan Sydney. With state-of-the-art 3D mammography(Tomosynthesis), experienced Ultrasound technicians and sub-speciality trained Radiologists, we pride ourselves on providing a high quality diagnostic capability with patient-focused care.
Our Breast Screening Mission
At Harbour Radiology, our team passionately advocates for the Zero Deaths vision from the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Breast cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed form of cancer in Australia. One in 7 women will be diagnosed in their lifetime and over 9 people per day die from breast cancer in Australia.
Early detection is the best way to increase survival rates. At Harbour, we strive to provide a safe, comfortable and compassionate experience for all our patients undergoing any form of breast imaging with us.
The mammography procedure can be quite daunting or anxiety-inducing, sometimes as a result of poor past experiences. Our highly trained staff ensure you are as comfortable as possible throughout your procedure.
We endeavour to provide a positive experience for you to alleviate the stress of breast screening.
Why choose Harbour Radiology for your Breast Screening?
Our breast screening service provides a two-part scan: we complete a 3D Mammogram first (for patients without breast implants) to assess the whole breast (usually both) and one of our subspeciality trained Radiologist looks at these images straight away to assess if any extra images are needed and to identify any regions of interest for the Ultrasound.
One of our highly trained technicians take you into the Ultrasound room and completes a comprehensive full breast scan including any extra images or regions of interest our Radiologist has identified. If a patient has had breast implants or a history of breast surgery we may opt to complete the Ultrasound first to ensure the Mammogram will not interfere with the implants or surgical remnants.
This unique service is tailored to each patient to ensure you are able to leave the practice with high-quality images, checked by our Radiologists, which ensures we can minimise the amount of discomfort and rescreening. Your report is provided to your referring practitioner for ongoing management.
More information: 3D Mammography/Tomosynthesis, Breast Ultrasound
I had an ultrasound, mammogram and OPG. All staff were caring, kind and reassuring. I would recommend this clinic to my closest friends. All three scans were years overdue and I had a horrendous mammogram four years earlier with significant injuries caused by technician at another provider. My GP promised it would be different at this clinic and it was. Extraordinary gentle empathetic treatment of a patient with such positive outcomes. Thank you
- C D
How much does Breast Screening cost?
As we offer a premium comprehensive breast screening service the scan can incur a $90 gap. Please contact your closest Harbour Radiology to check as some practices offer bulk billing for this service.
Frequently asked questions
How do I book breast screening?
You will need a referral from a medical practitioner. We recommend seeing your GP to enquire about when your next breast screening is due and asking for a referral for our comprehensive Mammogram and Ultrasound.
Once you have a referral please call our friendly reception team on 02 9129 9229 to organise your appointment.
Can I request a female technician?
All Mammograms in Australia are conducted by a female technician. However, if you would prefer a female Sonographer to complete your Ultrasound, please let our staff know when booking and we will accommodate your request.
How painful is a Mammogram?
Mammograms require compression of the breast tissue, this can range from mildly discomforting to painful. We endeavour to provide a positive experience during this procedure and if you require breaks or for the exam to stop please let your technician know. We understand that this procedure can cause a lot of discomfort and we attempt to minimise this through our 3D Mammogram machines which are faster and use less compression time. If you are anxious or in discomfort at all during your scan please let our staff know.
What is the difference between a Mammogram and Ultrasound?
All mammograms use ionising radiation to obtain a unique type of x-ray image. Our 3D mammography uses these rays to obtain a 3D picture of the breast. Ultrasound uses sound waves (no radiation) to image the breast tissue. Each one images different pathologies and doing them in isolation may not completely exclude all breast masses, but combined they provide a more comprehensive view of the breast tissue.
AVAILABLE LOCATIONS
Breast ultrasounds are available at all practices. However, the breast screening service is available at these select locations only.