BreastScreen WA connects to My Health Record

BreastScreen WA has connected to My Health Record in what is reported to be an Australian first. Following assessment by two consultant radiologists, consenting women from Western Australia will have their mammogram results uploaded to their My Health Record and the choice of receiving their results via SMS or letter.

Many women find that waiting for breast screening results is a challenge. The fast-tracking of results will further support women and their healthcare providers as more care is delivered digitally.

Having the results kept in one convenient and secure place means they can be accessed at any time to help inform decisions about patient care.

BreastScreen WA provides free screening mammograms to asymptomatic women and specifically targets women aged 50 to 74 years; however, all women aged 40 years or over are eligible and welcome to attend. The screening only takes about 15 minutes and does not need a GP referral.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Australian women apart from non-melanoma skin cancer.

With early detection remaining the best chance of survival, it is important that women of all ages self-check their breasts and that women aged 50 to 74 years take up BreastScreen Australia’s invitation of a free screening.

Australians are increasingly using My Health Record to view their diagnostic results, with 140,000 people doing so in March — a 76% increase from February.

The volume of My Health Records containing health information has almost doubled in the last 12 months — with more than 60% of records now containing data — helping ensure Australians have access to their health information if and when they need it.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Tyler Olson