A Wellington Point woman who beat breast cancer says she was shocked to find out she no longer qualified for free mammograms, despite being at higher risk of the disease returning.
Survivors Not Eligible For Routine Free Scans
After finishing breast cancer treatment in 2022, Wellington Point’s Debbie Swain expected her yearly follow-up scans to be free under Queensland’s mammogram program for women over 40. Instead, she was charged nearly $400 per visit and later discovered survivors like her are excluded unless referred through a public hospital.
BreastScreen Queensland only covers women with no current or past diagnosis, meaning survivors must wait five years to rejoin, unless they stay in the public system. Swain now sees a private specialist and said the cost caught her off guard.
She assumed follow-up care would be supported, but her scans are classed as “diagnostic imaging,” which isn’t free. For many women in her position, the out-of-pocket cost can reach nearly $500 per appointment.
Calls For A Fairer System For Survivors
Swain said the current rules feel unfair to women who have already been through cancer. She believes many don’t realise the scans aren’t free until the bill arrives, and worries the cost could stop women from attending important follow-up checks.
In local media interviews, she pointed out that the system seems to favour those with no cancer history while leaving survivors to manage extra costs. Queensland Health stated that free scans are offered in public hospitals, but only if the patient stays within the public system. Many, like Swain, are discharged and continue care privately, which makes them ineligible.
More Than 17,000 Queensland Women Affected
More than 17,000 breast cancer survivors in Queensland are excluded from BreastScreen services due to strict eligibility rules. Many are unaware of the gap until they’re billed for follow-up scans they expected to be free.
While the state advertises free screening for women over 40, it doesn’t apply to those with a past diagnosis. Survivors say it feels like they’re being penalised, while those without cancer continue to get free checks.
Community Support Grows For Change
Swain’s story has sparked discussion across the Redlands, with locals concerned the system isn’t supporting women after treatment. She’s urging the Queensland Government to review how survivors are treated and consider easing the cost of follow-up care.
While some imaging is available through public hospitals, many survivors fall outside that pathway. They say clearer information, better access, and funding for private care are urgently needed.
Published 11-July-2025
Featured Photo Credit: Thea Hunter/Facebook
