Breast cancer is a terrible disease that kills thousands of women globally every year. Early detection can go a long way to reducing those numbers and a breast screen is free.
For the next 10 days women in the Ocean Shores area have access to the potentially lifesaving breast screening with the BreastScreen NSW mobile van returning in February 2020 providing free mammograms to eligible women.
A mammogram can pick-up cancers that cannot be seen or felt.
In NSW, one in seven women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. For women over 50 years, a mammogram is the most effective method of finding breast cancer early.
Director BreastScreen NSW (North Coast) Jane Walsh, says a screening mammogram is one of the most important things women aged 50-74 can do for their health.
A 20-minute screen could save your life
‘A mammogram every two years takes just 20 minutes and it could save your life,’ said Ms Walsh. ‘Detecting breast cancer early increases your chance of survival while reducing the likelihood of invasive treatment, such as mastectomy or chemotherapy.’
Ms Walsh says many women believe they aren’t at risk of breast cancer because there’s no family history of the disease. ‘Around 90 per cent of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history,’ she said. ‘This is why breast cancer screening is so important for all eligible women.’
Ms Walsh says having a BreastScreen NSW van in Ocean Shores makes it easier for women to attend their recommended two-yearly screening. ‘Bringing these vital services to Ocean Shores means more local women can participate and get the support they need. Life gets busy and we want women to make their health a priority.’
The BreastScreen NSW van is Ocean Shores from February 10 to 20 and is located at the Community Centre, 55 Rajah Road.
The service is free and there’s no referral needed. BreastScreen NSW mobile vans include the latest digital mammography technology and secure wireless communication system.
The NSW Government, through the Cancer Institute NSW, is investing $62.2 million in breast cancer screening this financial year. Book a mammogram with BreastScreen NSW phone 13 20 50 or book.breastscreen.nsw.gov.au.
Year round screening services are available at BreastScreen NSW clinics at Tweed Heads and Lismore.
