This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, women aged 50-74 from Western NSW Local Health District are being urged to book in for a free mammogram, with more than 40 (41.4) percent of women in the region overdue for their two-yearly breast cancer screening.
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, BreastScreen NSW is also encouraging women to Be A Friend, Tell A Friend about the importance of having regular mammograms. Be A Friend, Tell A Friend encourages word of mouth and social media promotion among women to their friends, family and colleagues about the need to have regular mammograms.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women with age and being female the biggest risk factors – not family history. 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, with evidence showing that they are diagnosed with breast cancer at a younger age, have more advanced cancer at diagnosis and poorer survival rates compared to the overall female population.
Any woman who has noticed a change in their breasts, like a lump, should see their doctor without delay. Make breast screening a priority. It only takes 20 minutes and no doctor’s referral is needed.
For more information and to make an appointment at a local BreastScreen NSW clinic or mobile van, you can call 13 20 50 or book online at www.breastscreen.nsw.gov.au.