There are two components within the program: Screening and Assessment Services and Co-ordination Units at state and territory levels.
The Screening and Assessment Services provide all services from the initial mammogram to any follow up diagnostic procedures needed. All services have the same basic structure: each has an assessment centre and one or a number of screening units. In smaller services, screening and assessment services are often co-located.
The initial mammogram is performed in a screening unit. If a woman needs further investigation, she is recalled to the assessment centre, where the abnormality is assessed by a multidisciplinary team.
Services vary in size: some cover vast geographical areas (relocatable and mobile screening units); others only part of a city. Services also vary in nature, as some are wholly in the public sector whilst others are wholly in the private sector. Some services are a mix of both public and private.
The effectiveness of BreastScreen Australia is dependent on maintaining high standards in all areas of program delivery. Accreditation is vital to this. All BreastScreen Australia services are required to be accredited according to the BreastScreen Australia National Accreditation Standards, which have been developed by professionals involved with the program.
The Co-ordination Units do the planning and overall co-ordination of the program in each state and territory and play a large role in the recruitment of women.
The state and territory governments have primary responsibility for the implementation of the program at their local level. The Australian Government provides overall coordination of policy formulation, national data collection, quality control, monitoring and evaluation.
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