‘Breast cancer doesn’t wait’ campaign a reminder of importance of screening

As we near Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, BreastScreen NSW has launched its 2023-2024 awareness campaign “Breast cancer doesn’t wait”, which reminds women early detection is the key to successful treatment and a full recovery.

Women with breast cancer often do not have symptoms. While they are getting on with their lives, the cancer can silently be taking hold.

A breast screen with BreastScreen NSW takes only 20 minutes every two years, and the check is free. There are more than 250 screening locations across NSW. All screening is completed by female radiographers.

Screening is recommended for women aged 50 and over and for Aboriginal woman from aged 40. Its goal is to improve survival rates of women by detecting breast cancer early.

One in seven women – they may be a friend or work colleague – will develop breast cancer at some point in their lives. More than 1,000 women died from breast cancer in 2020 in NSW.

Despite the startling breast cancer statistics, more than 620,000 – or 50 per cent – of NSW women aged 50 to 74 have not had their recommended breast screen in the past two years (as of July 2023).

For that age group, a breast screen is the best way to find breast cancer early – before a change or lump develops.

South Western Sydney breast screening rates for 2021-2022:

• All women – 41.5 per cent

• Aboriginal women – 37.2 per cent

• CALD – 40.1 per cent

Research shows many women with a busy lifestyle do not prioritise their health. Health checks, such as regular breast screens, are forgotten or appointments overlooked.

BreastScreen NSW has released a promotional video to highlight the message that “Breast cancer doesn’t wait” and why regular breast screening is crucial for early detection and treatment.

There are a number of BreastCancer NSW clinics conveniently located across South Western Sydney.

Permanent clinics:

• Bankstown, ground level, Civic Tower, corner Jacobs Street and Rickard Road

• Bowral, Bowral Specialist Centre, Suite 4/70 Bowral Street

• Campbelltown, Mawson Centre, 4 Browne Street, ground Level, Units 3-5

• Liverpool (screening) 157-161 George Street, Units 3-5 (screening and assessment), 102 Bigge Street

Mobile clinics (September to February 2024):

• Tahmoor (until 18 September), Tahmoor Community Centre car park, Harper Close

• Cabramatta (19 September to 2 February 2024), McBurney Road car park beside PCYC

Talk to your GP or allied health practitioner if you have any concerns about your breast health or the screening process. They are well-placed to give advice or provide additional information.

A BreastScreen NSW factsheet is available and explains why women should breast screen and what to expect before, during and after their mammogram. It is available in 28 language versions, including English. 

You can book a free breast screen by visiting breastscreen.nsw.gov.au or call 13 20 50.

For more information about breast cancer and options that fit your situation, visit Cancer NSW.