Gin Gin residents will be offered free breast screens when Wide Bay BreastScreen Queensland’s mobile van travels to the region next month.
Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in females in Australia with one out of every seven women expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.
Wide Bay BreastScreen Queensland Manager Dianne Dingle said breast cancer didn’t discriminate and could develop in any women regardless of whether there was a history of the disease in the family or not.
“We encourage women over 40, particularly those aged between 50 and 74, to book in for a free
screening while the mobile van is at Gin Gin from 6 to 17 June,” Ms Dingle said.
“A breast screen, otherwise known as a mammogram, can detect very small cancers in breasts that can’t be seen or felt by a woman or her doctor, and well before they notice any symptoms.
“Women whose breast cancer is diagnosed through a breast screening program tend to have better outcomes as it is detected at an earlier, less-advanced stage and is more easily treated.”
Wide Bay Breastscreen provides friendly, saf environment
Ms Dingle said all breast screens at the mobile van would occur with a female radiographer, in a friendly and safe environment and a doctor’s referral was not required.
“The machine takes at least two pictures of each breast – one from the top and one from the side – and while it may be a little uncomfortable, it shouldn’t be painful,” she said.
“These pictures will later be read by at least two doctors who are specially trained to look for breast cancers on x-rays.
“The scan takes less than 30 minutes, and that small amount of time could end up saving your life.”
Weekday appointments are available at Gin Gin Hospital (parked behind the hospital) from Monday 6 June to Friday 17 June, with some starting as early as 7.20 am.
To book an appointment, call BreastScreen on 13 20 50 or book online at www.breastscreen.qld.gov.au.
Did you know?
- Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australian women.
- If you’re a woman, your risk of breast cancer increases greatly after the age of 50.
- Nine out of 10 women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history of breast cancer.
- Most women aged 50 to 74 should have a breast screen every two years. Research shows that having a breast screen every two years is the best way to find breast cancers when they are very small and more easily treated.
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