This October local women are being encouraged to take 30 minutes out of their time to get their breasts screened as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The campaign aims to spread awareness about breast cancer and the ways in which the disease can be detected early.
BreastScreen Queensland Bundaberg medical officer Denise Powell said early detection was paramount in beating breast cancer.
“What we do know is one in eight women have a lifetime risk of developing breast cancer,” she said.
“It is the most common cancer that women can get.
“We have a test that is proven, reliable and available that detects breast cancer early which is very important because the earlier it is detected, you can expect much better outcomes.”
Denise said breast screens were available for anyone aged 40 years and over.
“We especially target those aged between 50 and 74 years because that demographic is when the majority of breast cancers can occur,” she said.
Breast cancer awareness: what is a breast screen?
A breast screen uses a special machine to look for very small cancers in breasts that can’t be seen or felt by a woman or her doctor.
A breast screen is also called a mammogram.
How often do I need to have a breast screen?
Most women aged 50 to 74 should have a breast screen every two years.
Research shows that having a regular breast screen is the best way to find breast cancers when they are very small and more easily treated.
A breast screen takes about 30 minutes.
Call 113 20 50 or book an appointment online at www.breastscreen.qld.gov.au.
Find out more about Breast Cancer Awareness month here: nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-awareness-month/
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