Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women in NSW, with 1 in 7 being diagnosed in their lifetime.
With more than 300 women expected to be diagnosed in Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District with breast cancer this year, BreastScreen NSW are urging eligible women this Breast Cancer Awareness Month to book their free breast screen.
Professor Tracey O’Brien, Chief Cancer Officer NSW & CEO of the Cancer Institute NSW said that age and being female are the two biggest risk factors to developing breast cancer.
“More than 75 per cent of breast cancers occur in women over 50 and we know that screening saves lives by finding breast cancer early.
“There are many reasons why women may put off their breast screen. Some feel that without a family history they are not at risk, some say they are too busy, and others fear embarrassment about the procedure.
“We need women to know that breast cancer can happen to anyone. In fact, nine out of 10 women who develop breast cancer have no family history. BreastScreen NSW staff are highly trained and support women through the process. Screening provides great peace of mind,” Professor O’Brien said.
BreastScreen NSW recommends all women aged 50-74 years have a breast screen every two years. It takes just 20 minutes. Call 13 20 50 to book an appointment or book online.
Blue Mountains residents can book in a free breast screen at a mobile clinic in Springwood.
Where and when:
7 to 17 November 2022
BreastScreen NSW Van
Springwood Village Northern Car Park
Macquarie Rd, Springwood
Appointments can also be booked for a breast screen clinic at Blue Mountains Hospital, or the Penrith Myer Clinic.
Find out more about breast cancer signs and symptoms.
The NSW Government is investing more than $175 million this financial year in improving cancer control through the Cancer Institute NSW.