Breast cancer screening — RACGP Fellowship MCQ

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ModeratePreventive health and screeningBreast cancer screeningRACGP Fellowship

A 50‑year‑old woman attends for a preventive check. She is asymptomatic, has no family history of breast cancer, and asks when BreastScreen is recommended. What would you advise?

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Correct answer: B — Mammography every two years from age 50 to 74 through BreastScreen Australia

Explanation lettering: E = shown as A · C = shown as B · B = shown as C · A = shown as D · D = shown as E

In Australia, for average‑risk women aged 50–74, BreastScreen Australia invites biennial (every two years) mammography and this has been shown to reduce breast cancer mortality. Options A and B are incorrect: MRI is reserved for higher‑risk groups and not used annually in average‑risk individuals; five‑year intervals and starting at age 45 are inconsistent with national policy. Option D ignores the proven benefit of screening before symptom onset, and thermography (E) lacks evidence and is not endorsed by Australian guidelines. Thus, C is the only defensible option.

Reference: Australian Government Department of Health. About the BreastScreen Australia Program. 2023. https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/breastscreen-australia-program/about-the-breastscreen-australia-program