Breast cancer will affect one in seven Queensland women, so there is a fair chance you know a friend or relative who has had it. Finding breast cancer early can increase treatment options and save lives.
A breast screen can detect cancer early, before a woman or her doctor can feel anything, and regular breast screening is the most effective way to reduce deaths from breast cancer.
Gillian Duffy, Health Promotion Officer at BreastScreen Queensland Sunshine Coast said: “It is really important that during the COVID pandemic, women don’t put off having their regular breast screen or any other health checks.”
To make it easy for women to access high quality breast cancer screening, BreastScreen Queensland mobile service will visit Cooroy from 19 October to 6 November 2020.
“During Breast Cancer Awareness month, we will be taking our free mobile service to three locations across the Sunshine Coast including Cooroy, to make it easier for women in the hinterland areas,” Ms Duffy said.
BreastScreen Queensland Sunshine Coast also has services at Nambour, Caloundra, Caboolture, Maroochydore, Noosa and Gympie.
Currently only 56 per cent of women aged 50-74 on the Sunshine Coast have a regular breast screen every two years.
The BreastScreen Queensland Program is provided free to women aged 40 years and over and no doctor’s referral is needed. Women aged 50 to 74 are strongly encouraged to have a breast screens every two years. To make an appointment call 13 20 50 or visit breastscreen.qld.gov.au
THE FACTS:
-75 per cent of women diagnosed with breast cancer are over 50. Younger women do get breast cancer, but the risk of breast cancer increases dramatically after the age of 50.
– 9 out of 10 women diagnosed with breast cancer have NO family history of the disease. While women with a family history of breast cancer are more at risk, most women diagnosed have no family history of the disease at all.
– A breast screen every two years is the best way to detect breast cancer early, well before you or your doctor can feel anything.
– Women aged 40 years and over are eligible for a free breastscreen every two years at a BreastScreen Queensland Service. Women aged 50-74 years are particularly encouraged to attend.
Appointments are available now and no referral is needed. Phone 13 20 50 for an appointment or for more information. Early detection could save your life.
