The importance of having a mammogram cannot be stressed enough and women in the Byron area are urged to make a booking when the BreastScreen NSW mobile screening van visits Byron Bay from next week.
BreastScreen NSW provides free mammograms to eligible women aged between 50 and 74 across the State.
BreastScreen NSW has implemented a range of hygiene and social distancing measures to ensure clinics and mobile screening vans are COVID-19 safe, to protect women, staff and the wider community. These include: Pre-screening questions around personal health and travel; limiting the number of people in the clinic/van; practicing social distancing and providing hand sanitizer in waiting rooms; a minimal contact check-in process; wearing masks, and; additional cleaning of equipment and commonly used surfaces.
One of the most important things women can do for their health
Jane Walsh, Director BreastScreen NSW North Coast says a screening mammogram is one of the most important things women aged 50-74 can do for their health.
‘Detecting breast cancer early increases your chance of survival while reducing the likelihood of invasive treatment, such as mastectomy or chemotherapy,’ said Ms Walsh.
‘Around 90 per cent of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history. This is why breast cancer screening is so important for all eligible women.
‘Bringing these vital services to the Byron Shire means more local women can be screened. Life gets busy and we want women to make their health a priority.’
A free service
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 $62.1 million in breast cancer screening this financial year.
The BreastScreen NSW van is in Byron Bay from 11 – 30 November 2020 and will be located at the Cavanbah Centre, 249 Ewingsdale Road.
To book a mammogram with BreastScreen NSW, call 13 20 50 or visit: book.breastscreen.nsw.gov.au.
