The compression required during a mammogram is uncomfortable for most women, but it should not be genuinely painful. The compression is brief and approximately 10-15 seconds per view, then releases immediately after the image is taken.

Women who find mammograms particularly uncomfortable can help by: scheduling their appointment in the week after their period ends (when the breasts are less sensitive), taking a painkiller (such as ibuprofen or paracetamol) an hour beforehand, and telling our radiographer openly if the pressure is too uncomfortable so it can be adjusted. Please speak up and we can work with you to make the experience as comfortable as possible without compromising the image.

Yes, mammography uses a very low dose of radiation and is extremely safe. The radiation dose for a standard four-view screening mammogram is approximately 0.4 millisieverts (mSv), equivalent to about 7 weeks of natural background radiation that we all receive from the environment. 

The benefit of detecting breast cancer early far outweighs the tiny theoretical risk from the low radiation dose used in mammography. Decades of large international studies have confirmed that screening mammography is safe and effective. There is no evidence that the radiation dose in mammography causes harm.

Yes, mammography is bulk billed for eligible Medicare card holders with a valid referral. Please bring your Medicare card and referral to your appointment. If you're unsure whether your specific study will be bulk billed, please call us before your appointment and our staff will clarify. We aim to avoid any surprise costs on the day.

Please call us directly if you or your doctor has identified a breast lump or other breast symptom. We prioritise symptomatic patients and will do our best to accommodate you as quickly as possible and often within 1-2 business days for urgent referrals.

When you call, mention that your referral is for a symptomatic breast assessment. Our radiologist will prioritise reporting and contact your GP directly if there are significant findings. In the meantime, please see your GP as soon as possible if you haven't already, a referral is required for bulk billing.

Yes, women with implants should absolutely continue mammographic screening. Implants do not prevent mammography, but they do require a modified technique. Please tell us about your implants when booking so we can allocate extra time and use the correct approach.

Our radiographers use the Eklund displacement technique, a well established method that displaces the implant posteriorly to allow the breast tissue in front of it to be imaged clearly. This requires more views per breast (typically four per side rather than two) and a longer appointment. There is a very small risk of implant rupture from compression and this risk is extremely low, but you should be aware of it. The benefit of regular screening still significantly outweighs this risk.

Routine screening mammography is generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, if you have a new palpable breast lump or other significant symptom during pregnancy, mammography can be performed safely, the dose is very low, and abdominal shielding can be used. The risk of missing a breast cancer is far greater than the tiny radiation risk to the developing baby.

Breast ultrasound is often the preferred first investigation in pregnant or breastfeeding women, and may be sufficient on its own. Your GP and our radiologist will advise the most appropriate approach for your clinical situation. Always inform our staff if you are pregnant or currently breastfeeding.

Your mammogram is reported by our specialist breast radiologist and a detailed written report including BI-RADS score and density classification is sent electronically to your referring GP within 24 hours. Morning appointments are often reported same day. Urgent or symptomatic referrals are prioritised.

If a significant or unexpected finding is identified, our radiologist will call your referring doctor directly before the written report is finalised. Please follow up with your GP to discuss your results, Matrix does not provide reports directly to patients, as your GP is best placed to explain findings in the context of your full medical history.