Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes today highlighted the importance for women living in country Victoria to make the most of the opportunity to have a free mammogram through BreastScreen Victoria’s Mobile Screening Service.
Dr Sykes said the mobile service is stationed at Mansfield until 28 February, Alexandra between 1 March to 5 April and Myrtleford between 31 October to 11 January, 2013.
Extra appointments are still available at the bright pink BreastScreen van which is currently stationed at Highett Street in Mansfield.
“The Mobile Screening Service visits 26 regional and metropolitan areas throughout Victoria including Mansfield, Alexandra and Myrtleford on a two year cycle.
“One of the challenges faced by people living in country areas is access to important health services and I encourage women to utilise this free screening clinic.”
53 per cent of eligible women in the Benalla Electorate participated in the free Breastscreen program in 2011, compared to the state average of 55 per cent.
Free breast cancer screening is available for women over the age of 40 and it is recommended that women over the age of 50 have a mammogram every two years.
Statistically 50 per cent of women diagnosed with breast cancer are aged between 50 and 69.
Regular screening mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early, before any symptoms are noticed and when treatment is likely to be most successful.
An appointment will take as little as 10 minutes and is with a female health professional. After hours appointments are also available.
To make an appointment for the Mobile Screening Service in any location call 13 20 50.