The Nationals’ Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad has encouraged local women to take part in the free BreastScreen Victoria program as figures show around half of the eligible women are not taking up the opportunity of a free mammogram.
Ms Broad said the program could help with early detection of cancer – giving women the best chance of a positive outcome.
“The BreastScreen Victoria program is a free service that takes around ten minutes and could save lives,” Ms Broad said.
Figures from BreastScreen Victoria show around half of eligible women aged between 50 and 74 are not having regular breast screens.
“I know many women have busy lives and it can be easy to put something like this off, but it’s important to get in and get it done.
“It only takes a few minutes, and the staff are very caring and professional.”
BreastScreen Victoria advises that the biggest risk factor for breast cancer is being a woman over 50, with one in eight Victorian women diagnosed in their lifetime.
Around 75 per cent of diagnoses occur in women over 50, with most having no family history of the disease. Regular screening is the best way to detect breast cancer early, often before symptoms appear, when treatment is most effective.
BreastScreen Victoria invites women aged 50-74 to attend every two years for a free mammogram to detect breast cancer earlier.
Women can find their nearest BreastScreen Victoria clinic or mobile service by calling 13 20 50 or by visiting https://www.breastscreen.org.au/locations/
Media Contact: Linda Barrow 0484 303 764
