October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and eligible women in Northern NSW Local Health District are being urged to book a free mammogram, with 45.2 per cent of eligible women overdue for their two-yearly breast screen.
Women are invited to celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month at a Pink Party on Friday, October 16, in Lismore and help raise awareness about the importance of regular breast screening.
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.
Director of BreastScreen NSW, Northern NSW Screening Assessment Service, Patrick Magee, said with almost 7,000 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,’ Mr Magee 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.
Be a friend. Tell a friend
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.
Acting CEO of the Cancer Institute NSW, Professor Megan Varlow, 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,’ said Professor Varlow. ’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.’
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.
The Pink Party in Lismore
Celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month at our Pink Party on Friday, October 16, from 10am to 2pm, and help raise awareness about the importance of regular breast screening.
Gather your friends, wear a touch of pink, and make your breast health a priority. Book a mammogram with your bestie and enjoy a fun and welcoming atmosphere, complete with refreshments, giveaways, and special Pink Party treats.
The event will be held at the BreastScreen NSW clinic, 29 Uralba Street, Lismore, where the friendly team will be on hand to answer questions and support women to take this important step for their health.
Regular screening mammograms are the best way to detect breast cancer early, often before any symptoms are noticed.
Bring a friend and join in for a pink-filled day of fun, friendship, and breast health awareness.
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.
Here is more information about the Be a friend. Tell a friend promotion.
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