Great Southern women encouraged to take up free mammogram offer as BreastScreen WA visits region

Great Southern women are being urged to take the chance to have a free screening mammogram, as a mobile service prepares to visit the region next month.

BreastScreen WA will have their mobile screening unit at Kojonup District Hospital from September 12-22 as part of their biennial visit to the town.

It will move to Cranbrook on September 23, before heading to Tambellup, Gnowangerup, Lake Grace, Dumbleyung and Wagin for the rest of September and October.

Any woman aged 40 and over is eligible to receive a free screening mammogram, with those between the ages of 50 and 74 encouraged to book a screening.

BreastScreen WA medical director Elizabeth Wylie said screenings were the most effective method for detecting breast cancer early.

“Screening every two years is vitally important to increase the chance of a breast cancer being detected when it is too small to feel or be noticed,” Dr Wylie said.

“Finding a cancer at this early stage often means that the breast cancer is small and more treatable.”

Having a breast x-ray every two years significantly increases the chances of a woman surviving breast cancer and reduces how much treatment is required.

Screening is most effective for women aged 50 and over, which make up 75 per cent of people diagnosed with breast cancer.

Dr Wylie said a screening mammogram was one of the best things women could do to look after their health.

“Breast screening saves lives and only takes 20 minutes,” she said.

Any woman with a persistent change in a breast is advised to contact her doctor immediately.

Residents can book their free appointment by calling 13 20 50 or visiting breastscreen.health.wa.gov.au.