This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, eligible women in Hunter New England Local Health District are being urged to book a free mammogram with 39.1 per cent of eligible women overdue for their two-yearly breast screen.
For women aged 50-74, a breast screen every two years through a population-based screening program like BreastScreen NSW is still the best way to detect breast cancer early, before it can be seen or felt.
Rebecca Delaporte, Acting Manager, BreastScreen NSW, Hunter New England Local Healh District, said with almost 7000 women in NSW expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer this year, it’s important for women to make breast screening part of their regular health routine.
“If you’re aged 50 to 74, make your breast screen a priority. It’s a simple appointment that only takes 20 minutes, and you don’t need a doctor’s referral,” Rebecca said. “Finding breast cancer early can give people more treatment options and improve their chances of survival.”
Almost 390,000 women were screened through BreastScreen NSW in the past year, the highest number on record.
This October, the Be a friend. Tell a friend promotion will encourage conversations so more women across NSW book this potentially lifesaving appointment.
A recent survey of more than 25,000 BreastScreen NSW clients found more than 40 per cent of women put off having their mammogram because they were too busy. Another 17 per cent said they delayed screening because they forgot.
The survey asked questions about women’s overall experience, care, comfort and access. It found more than 97 per cent of women would speak highly of BreastScreen NSW, almost all women (99.8 per cent) felt BreastScreen staff were polite and courteous, most women felt at ease with the radiographer (97.9 per cent), and 98.7 per cent of women rated their experience with BreastScreen, from initial contact to receiving their results, as either good or very good.
Professor Megan Varlow Acting CEO of the Cancer Institute NSW said all women need to take the threat of breast cancer seriously and prioritise screening.
“We know that more than half of eligible women are putting off their lifesaving breast screen because everyday life got in the way. I know that all women are busy, but the reality is that breast cancer can develop without any symptoms and if you put off screening, you could miss the opportunity to detect cancer early,” Professor Varlow said
“The message from women who use the service is clear, BreastScreen NSW provides an excellent experience. I urge all women not to take their health for granted and to make time for your breast screen that could save your life,” Professor Varlow said.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women with age and being female the biggest risk factors, not a family history of breast cancer.
Women aged 50 – 74 years are recommended to have a breast screen every two years.
BreastScreen NSW recommends Aboriginal women start screening at 40 years.
Any woman who has noticed a change in their breasts, like a lump, should see their doctor without delay.
For more information and to make an appointment at a local BreastScreen NSW clinic or mobile van, call 13 20 50 or book online at www.breastscreen.nsw.gov.au.
The Van will be in Inverell in the Public Car Park opposite the Town Library from October 21st until the 18th of December
For more information about the Be a friend. Tell a friend promotion visit
https://www.breastscreen.nsw.gov.au/campaigns/breast-cancer-awareness-month/
Inverell
