Topic: Women's health

Key facts

• 1 in 7 women in NSW will develop breast cancer in their lifetime
• 9 out of 10 women with breast cancer have no family history of the disease
• The best way to find breast cancer early in women aged 50 to 74 is to have a breast screen
• 89 out of every 100 women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer now survive five or more years beyond diagnosis

Find more information about BreastScreenNSW’s mobile screening van

Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October focuses on breast cancer and its impact on those affected by the disease in our community.

Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among Australian women (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer). Key risk factors for developing breast cancer are being female and getting older – 75 per cent of women diagnosed with breast cancer are over 50.

Early detection remains the best chance of survival.

It is important women of all ages self-check their breasts and women aged 50 to 74 years take up the invitation of a free screening.

 

Self-check

Changes to look for include:

• a new lump or lumpiness, especially if it’s only in one breast
• a change in the size or shape of your breast
• a change to the nipple, such as crusting, ulcer, redness or inversion
• a nipple discharge that occurs without squeezing
• a change in the skin of your breast such as redness or dimpling
• an unusual pain that doesn’t go away.

Most changes aren’t due to breast cancer but it’s important to see your doctor without delay if you notice any of these changes.

 

Free screening

BreastScreen NSW provides free screening to women 50 to 74 at fixed locations at Bankstown, Liverpool, Campbelltown and Bowral and through its mobile screening van which will be at Fairfield Forum from 7 September to 20 November, Monday to Friday and selected Saturdays.

Make an appointment by calling 13 20 50, book online or drop in to the van for assistance. COVID-19 safety measures are in place.

Remember, if found early, breast cancer is easier to treat and there is an increased chance of survival.

 

Find more information:

BreastScreen NSW Service Schedule 2020 – brochure

Breast screening and you – brochure

BreastScreen NSW COVID-19 safety measures – brochure

Breast screening at Fairfield Forum – poster

Breast screening at Fairfield Forum (information for Aboriginal women) – poster

 

BreastScreen NSW has recommenced routine breast screening. It suspended services temporarily to protect women, staff and the community from the risk of COVID-19 (coronavirus).

It is currently inviting women to have their regular breast screen, starting with clients who had their appointments cancelled during the suspension period.

Please wait to be reinvited by BreastScreen NSW before contacting them on 13 20 50 or making a booking online.

To read more

To download the BreastScreen NSW service schedule

To download information about safety measures

Health professionals are advised that BreastScreen NSW is now open and preparing to resume breast screening from 18 May. It may take a few weeks before all screening clinics across the state are open as capacity is impacted by the redeployment of staff and the requisitioning of clinics.

Women who had their appointments cancelled will be prioritised and contacted directly, as soon as possible, to reschedule their appointment. Women are being asked to wait for their invitation before contacting BreastScreen NSW.

BreastScreen NSW is taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety and wellbeing of its clients and staff during this time. It is not anticipating any disruption to the screening pathway.

BreastScreen NSW recommends:

• women who develop breast symptoms speak with their GP without delay 
• symptomatic women should be referred to a specialist clinic or breast surgeon

BreastScreen NSW will provide regular updates via its website and Facebook page about the breast screening service. 

If you have any questions, contact BreastScreen NSW at CINSW-BreastScreenNSW@health.nsw.gov.au or by calling 13 20 50.

BreastScreen NSW is now open and preparing to resume breast screening from 18 May. It may take a few weeks before all screening clinics across the state are open as capacity is impacted by the redeployment of staff and the requisitioning of clinics.

Women who had their appointments cancelled will be prioritised and contacted directly, as soon as possible, to reschedule their appointment. 

Women are being asked to wait for their invitation before contacting BreastScreen NSW.

BreastScreen NSW is taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety and wellbeing of its clients and staff during this time. It is not anticipating any disruption to the screening pathway.

BreastScreen NSW recommends:

• women who develop breast symptoms speak with their GP without delay 
• symptomatic women should be referred to a specialist clinic or breast surgeon

BreastScreen NSW will provide regular updates via its website and Facebook page about the breast screening service. 

If you have any questions, contact BreastScreen NSW at CINSW-BreastScreenNSW@health.nsw.gov.au or by calling 13 20 50.

For more information on COVID-19, visit health.gov.au NSW Health.

Health professionals are invited to the BreastScreen Australia Conference at the National Convention Centre in Canberra from 27 to 29 August.

Inspiring International and Australian speakers and experts will be presenting in many disciplines, including breast radiology, pathology, public health, radiography, health promotion and counselling.

With a focus on the early detection of breast cancer, and the future of breast cancer treatments and diagnostic methods, the conference will highlight current research, explore new technologies and emerging developments in breast imaging, diagnosis and interventions.

Evidence-based innovative practices across the country will also be showcased.

Keynote speakers include:

• Dr Matthew Wallis, Consultant Radiologist, Cambridge University Hospital, United Kingdom
• Prof Dr Ruud Pijnappel, Breast Radiologist, Department of Radiology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, the Netherlands
• Solveig Hofvind, Head of Section, Breast Cancer Screening Programme, Cancer Registry, Norway
• Dr Donna Taylor, Consultant Radiologist, BreastScreen WA and Royal Perth Hospital, Australia
• Dr David Clouston, Anatomical Pathologist, Tissupath, Australia
• Prof Nehmat Houssami, Clinician Researcher, Public Health, University of Sydney and Faculty of Medicine and Health, Australia

Early bird registrations are now open. The registration fee includes the opportunity to network with health professionals at dinner at Australian Parliament House.

To register.