Women 50-74 Years Are Invited For Free Breast Screening

Breast screening – It’s an invitation that could save your life

The risk of breast cancer increases with age. The incidence of breast cancer is also increasing. That’s why the free breast screening program has now been expanded to include women up to 74 years of age.

This could possibly detect an additional 600 breast cancers each year

This will deliver up to 220,000 additional breast screening services to Australian women over four years.

More than 75% of breast cancers occur in women over 50 and 90% of women who get breast cancer have no family history. So it’s important that you make a breast screening appointment.

Prevalence

Among Australian women, breast cancer is the most common cancer and the second most common cause of cancer related deaths. Encouragingly, since the BreastScreen Australia Program was introduced breast cancer deaths have been reduced by a third.

Symptom-free doesn’t mean cancer-free

Even if you don’t have any breast cancer symptoms, regular screening is still vitally important. It can detect breast cancer well before any obvious symptoms appear, such as a lump.

Early detection is the best protection

Detecting breast cancer early will give you the best chance of beating it. It means less invasive, more effective treatment. Up to 9 out of 10 women survive thanks to early detection, management and treatment.

Breast screening is free

If you are aged between 50-74 you should be screened every two years, and the test is absolutely free.

No GP referral is required

There is no need to consult your family doctor or a specialist beforehand. Once you receive your breast screening invitation, you can call BreastScreen Australia to arrange an appointment at the screening clinic or mobile unit closest to your home.

Find out more

If you’re over 75, talk to your GP or contact Myers Street Family Medical Practice on 03 5229 5192 or The Cottage Medical Clinic on 03 5241 6129 to find out if breast screening is right for you. You can learn more about breast cancer, breast screening and what to expect at your appointment at www.australia.gov.au/breastscreen or call 13 20 50.