Almost 390,000 women were screened for breast cancer through BreastScreen NSW in the past year, the highest 12-month period on record.
Women living in regional NSW had the highest screening participation, with 57.8 per cent of eligible women up to date with their two-yearly breast screen, compared with 51.6 per cent across the state.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and BreastScreen NSW is urging women who are due for their breast screen to make a booking.
For women aged 50-74, a breast screen every two years is the best way to detect breast cancer early, before it can be seen or felt.
A recent survey of more than 25,000 BreastScreen NSW clients found more than 40 per cent of women put off having their mammogram because they were too busy. Another 17 per cent said they delayed screening because they forgot.
The survey also found the overwhelming majority of women had a positive experience with the care and comfort received, rating their overall experience with BreastScreen NSW, from initial contact to receiving their results, as either good or very good.
The BreastScreen NSW "Be A Friend, Tell A Friend" campaign is also encouraging the community to have more conversations about the importance of regular screening, so more women across NSW book this potentially lifesaving appointment.
Breast cancer accounts for 28 per cent of all new cancer diagnosis in women in NSW and 15 per cent of the deaths of women from cancer. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and causes the second most deaths in women across NSW. Age and being female are the biggest risk factors, not a family history of breast cancer.
Women aged 50 - 74 years are recommended to have a breast screen every two years. BreastScreen NSW recommends Aboriginal women start screening at 40 years.
Any woman who has noticed a change in their breasts, like a lump, should see their doctor without delay.
Book an appointment online breastscreen.nsw,gov,au or call 13 20 50.
Quotes attributable to Deputy Premier Prue Car:
"I have seen first-hand how important early detection and treatment can be, and I cannot stress enough how important it is for women to put their health first and get checked when they're due.
"Breast cancer has a huge impact on women across our state, and it is important to not put off a breast screen or ignore changes you see in your body.
"Cancer screenings can be daunting, however early detection is vital and gives you the best opportunity to receive the treatment you need. I strongly encourage all eligible women to make their free BreastScreen NSW appointment a priority."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:
"It's encouraging that a record number of women are taking this important step for their health, but we still want more women booking in these critical screenings.
"BreastScreen NSW is a free, life-saving service that helps detect breast cancer early, when treatment is most effective.
"With almost 7,000 women expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer in NSW this year, and more than 1,000 women expected to die from the disease, I encourage every eligible woman to make breast screening a priority."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis:
"As a breast cancer survivor, I know how important early detection is and I encourage all women to get checked.
"Screening checks take time and can be daunting, but a breast cancer diagnosis is devastating so I am urging women across NSW to book a screening and to tell all of their women in their life to go and get checked."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison:
"I was in my thirties when I did my first screening, and this early detection saved my life and made my cancer journey easier.
"Nothing can beat the peace of mind of knowing you are cancer free, which is exactly the kind of service that Breast Screen offers to women all over NSW every single day.
"During moments of deep uncertainty and fear, the care and compassion you receive at BreastScreen is exceptional. They are people who hold your hand to tell you the good news, and the ones who hold it even tighter when it's not.
"For those who are diagnosed early, there are more options, and a higher chance of full recovery. It's absolutely worth it."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Women Jodie Harrison:
"This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, let's be a friend and tell a friend about getting their breasts checked.
"You could help save a life by spreading the word, because early detection means more treatment options, and a greater chance of survival.
"Don't keep putting it off. It's easy to book an appointment online with BreastScreen or by calling 13 20 50; and it's free for eligible women."
Quotes attributable to Acting CEO Cancer Institute NSW Professor Megan Varlow:
"We know that more than half of eligible women are putting off their lifesaving breast screen because everyday life got in the way. I know that all women are busy, but the reality is that breast cancer can develop without any symptoms and if you put off screening, you could miss the opportunity to detect cancer early.
"The message from women who use the service is clear, BreastScreen NSW provides an excellent experience. The process is simple and only take 20 minutes. I urge all women not to take their health for granted and to make time for the screening test that could save your life."
Quote attributable to Cassandra Thorburn, diagnosed with a rare type of breast cancer in 2026
"I owe my life to BreastScreen NSW who discovered I had a stage 3 rare Occult Breast cancer that is under 3 per cent of breast cancer cases in Australia."
"By not ignoring a small grey area on the edge of my mammogram doctors at Breast Screen NSW helped save my life. I feel so fortunate I booked my appointment as soon as I received my reminder in the letterbox. When your reminder letter comes in the mail, don't sit it in the to do pile, book today. Early detection saves lives and it could save yours."
Quotes attributable to Deborah Price, diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in 2025:
"I turned 50, had my big celebration with my family and friends and then the following week I had my routine mammogram. When the words came out, triple negative, I just knew it wasn't good.
"I had no symptoms so if my cancer hadn't been detected early through a routine mammogram, I would not be here today. We wear so many hats, mother, caregiver, worker, friend, but if you don't screen and pick cancer up early, all of that can be taken away in the blink of an eye."
