Scan van heading down to Augusta

Women aged 40 years and over are being encouraged to make a booking with BreastScreen WA’s free screening mammogram service, with the BreastScreen WA van arriving in the Augusta Civic Park Carpark on Allnutt Terrace from April 30 to May 22.

Breast cancer is the most common life threatening cancer for women and 1 in 7 women in Australia will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.

Having a screening mammogram (breast x-ray) every two years significantly increases the chance of a woman surviving breast cancer and reduces the amount of treatment required.

More than 75 per cent of breast cancers occur in women over the age of 50.

Research shows that screening is most effective for this age group.

BreastScreen WA’s Director Dr Emmeline Lee, said screening mammography was the most effective method for early detection of breast cancer.

“Screening every two years is vitally important to increase the chance of a breast cancer being detected when it is too small to feel or be noticed”, Dr Lee said.

“Finding a cancer at this early stage often means that the breast cancer is small and more treatable.

“A free screening mammogram is one of the best things that women can do to look after their health. Breast screening saves lives and only takes 20 minutes.”

Screening mammograms may detect 70 to 90 per cent of breast cancers.

Any woman with a persistent change in a breast should contact her doctor immediately.

Dates may be subject to change. If visit dates are not suitable participants are welcome to book at the clinic in a different town or at any of our permanent clinics.

For more information on the service, visit www.breastscreen.health.wa.gov.au.

To make your free screening mammogram appointment – book online at www.breastscreen.health.wa.gov.au or call 13 20 50.