According to Murrumbidgee Local Health District as many as 70 women in the area have breast cancer but don’t know it because they haven’t had a mammogram in the past two years.
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MLHD discovered the data, released by the Cancer Institute NSW during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, also showed 14,000 women aged 50 to 74 in MLHD were either overdue for a mammogram or have never had one.
Director of BreastScreen for Murrumbidgee and Southern Local Health Districts, Debbie Lattimore, said she hopes the data will encourage all women aged 50 to 74 to have a potentially life-saving mammogram and make simple lifestyle changes to reduce their breast cancer risk.
“Encouragingly, overall screening numbers across the state are on the rise, which shows our lifesaving message is getting across,” Ms Lattimore said.
According to Ms Lattimore each year 950 women in NSW die from breast cancer and the data shows about 14,000 women locally are not attending their recommended two-yearly mammograms.
“Women tend to have a perception breast cancer is common, but don’t think it will happen to them. That’s why it can be easy to forget to schedule a mammogram or not make it a priority,” she said.
“Mammograms are the best way to detect breast cancer before it can be seen or felt, which allows for less invasive treatment and better recovery. They’re also free of charge.”
Ways to reduce your breast cancer risk:
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Exercise regularly.
- Reduce alcohol intake.
- Quit smoking.
“In 2018-19, more than $4.5 million is being invested towards the Greater Southern BreastScreen Screening and Assessment Service, which covers the Murrumbidgee and Southern NSW Local Health District areas.”
To book a mammogram today with BreastScreen NSW, please phone 13 20 50. You can search for your nearest BreastScreen NSW service by visiting www.breastscreen.nsw.gov.au.
