Residents of Childers and surrounding communities are encouraged to book appointments with BreastScreen with the Wide Bay BreastScreen mobile van set to visit during August.
With one in every seven women expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, it is the most diagnosed cancer in females in Australia.
Wide Bay BreastScreen Queensland Manager Dianne Dingle said breast cancer didn’t discriminate and could develop in any woman 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 Childers from 2 to 22 August,” 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.”
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 Childers and the mobile van will be located in Crescent Street, (behind the Post Office) from Tuesday, 2 August to Monday, 22 August, with appointments starting from 8.20 am.
To book an appointment, call BreastScreen on 13 20 50 or book online at www.breastscreen.qld.gov.au.
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