November 27, 2015
South Burnett women aged 40 and over have been encouraged to take advantage of BreastScreen Queensland’s mobile service when it visits Kingaroy from January 11-29.
Health Promotion Officer Shenaed Bliss said the free breast scans took just 30 minutes.
“This is a great opportunity to book in for that first breast screen that you’ve been meaning to have, or to come back for a regular two-yearly screen,” she said.
“We know that early detection of women’s cancers provides the best chance of survival and quality of life, so if you haven’t been keeping up-to-date with these important checks, now is the time to do so.”
Ms Bliss said women aged 40 and over should have a breast screen every two years, and women aged 18 and over should have a pap smear every two years.
“In 2015, more than 15,000 Australian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer,” she said.
“One in eight Queensland women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and of those 90 per cent will have no family history of the illness.
“That’s why we encourage all women aged 40 and over to have a free breast screen every two years, and also be sure to carry out regular breast checks.
“If you find something unusual, or have any concerns about your breast health, see your GP as soon as possible.”
Women aged 40 and over can phone 13-20-50 to book a free breast screen with the mobile service. A doctor’s referral is not required.
Women can also access other women’s health screening services through the DDHHS Mobile Women’s Health Service.
Appointments can be made by phoning Kingaroy Downtown Community Health on (07) 4162-9200, Murgon Community Health on (07) 4169-8203 or Nanango Hospital on (07) 4171-6700.
