BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH 2026
This October, we’re focusing on what happens after a breast screening recall; because knowing your next step matters too.
Called Back After Your Mammogram?
Know What Happens Next
You’ve done your screening. Now you’ve been asked to return for additional views or further assessment. Here’s what happens next.
A mammogram recall does not mean you have breast cancer.
A recall means that something seen on your screening mammogram needs a closer look. You may be asked to have additional mammographic views, a breast ultrasound or other assessment to better understand the finding.
Many recalled findings are not cancer.
Your Journey After a Mammogram Recall
A recall is not a diagnosis.
It simply means something needs a closer look.
RECALL
Your screening mammogram showed something that needs a closer look. We’ll contact you to schedule the next step.
DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING
Additional mammographic views or breast ultrasound may be recommended to assess a particular area in greater detail
Breast MRI may be recommended in selected situations.
SPECIALIST BREAST ASSESSMENT
A breast specialist reviews your imaging, symptoms, medical history and previous breast images to determine what happens next.
BREAST BIOPSY, IF NEEDED
If a finding remains unclear or needs further investigation, a biopsy may be recommended to determine whether it is benign or requires further treatment.
Being recommended for a biopsy does not mean you have breast cancer.
ANSWERS AND NEXT STEPS
Your specialist will explain the findings and discuss the appropriate next step, which may include reassurance, monitoring, further investigation or treatment.
A MAMMOGRAM RECALL DOES NOT MEAN YOU HAVE BREAST CANCER.
It simply means that something seen on your mammogram needs a closer look.
Diagnostic imaging
Additional breast imaging may be recommended to examine a finding more closely.
Depending on what was seen on your screening mammogram, this may include:
- Additional mammographic views to assess a particular area in greater detail
- Breast ultrasound to assess breast tissue and a specific finding
- Breast MRI in selected situations where further assessment is appropriate
Specialist breast assessment
Imaging is only part of the assessment.
A breast specialist can review your imaging together with your symptoms, medical history and previous breast images to determine what should happen next.
Sometimes, additional imaging is all that is needed. If a finding remains unclear or requires further investigation, your specialist may recommend a biopsy.
Biopsy, if needed
A breast biopsy takes a small sample of tissue for examination by a pathologist. It helps determine whether a breast finding is benign or requires further treatment.
Being recommended for a biopsy does not mean you have breast cancer.
Answers and next steps
Once your assessment is complete, your doctor will explain what the findings mean and discuss the appropriate next step.
Depending on the result, this may involve reassurance and routine follow-up, monitoring, further investigation or treatment.
Breast assessment is not just for screening recalls
A screening recall is one reason you may need further breast assessment. You may also seek assessment if you have noticed a new or persistent breast change, received an abnormal imaging result, or would like another opinion about a breast finding or diagnosis.
You may be here because:
| You've been recalled | You've noticed a change | You want another opinion |
|---|---|---|
| Asked to return after your mammogram? We can help you understand what happens next. | A new or persistent breast change may need clinical assessment. | Understand an imaging finding, diagnosis or treatment recommendation with another opinion. |
Screening finds a concern. Assessment finds out what it means.
Breast screening is performed to look for signs of breast cancer, often before there are symptoms.
Diagnostic breast assessment is the next step when a screening result, symptom or other breast finding needs further investigation. It may involve diagnostic imaging, specialist assessment and, when appropriate, a biopsy.
At Solis Breast Care & Surgery Centre, breast specialists assess breast changes, abnormal imaging findings and screening recalls. Diagnostic breast imaging and image-guided procedures are available through Luma Women’s Imaging Centre, bringing key parts of the assessment pathway together.
Already had your screening elsewhere?
If you’ve already had your screening elsewhere, you can still seek further assessment at Solis. Bring your screening report and previous breast images, where available, so your specialist can review the findings in context.
What if the assessment finds breast cancer?
If breast cancer is diagnosed, your breast specialist will explain the findings and discuss the appropriate treatment options with you.
Beyond Diagnosis and Treatment
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The Breast Years of Your Life is a practical guide for women navigating life after breast cancer, bringing together information and advice from a multidisciplinary team of experts.
Explore More
What happens after a breast screening recall?
Learn more about why a recall does not necessarily mean cancer and what happens during the assessment process.
What does a recall mean?
Explore our Kompas TV feature for more on breast recalls, diagnostic assessment and what to expect after an abnormal or inconclusive breast screening result.
Been called back after your mammogram?
A recall is not a diagnosis. It’s a reason to look more closely.
Whether you’ve been recalled after screening, noticed a breast change or want another opinion, the next step is to understand what the finding means.