BreastScreen Queensland Sunshine Coast is urging women to make sure they are up to date with their breast screens.
“To encourage women who are overdue for their breast screen to book an appointment, women who attend for breast screening during May and June will be entered in a prize draw to win one of ten $50 gift cards”, BreastScreen Queensland, Health Promotion Officer, Gillian Duffy, said.
The Sunshine Coast has seen a recent increase in the number of people moving home, including relocating from interstate. In the upheaval of a move, it is easy to forget about a two-yearly breast screen.
“Women new to the area may not be aware that free screening is available in Caboolture and that our mobile service visits Bribie Island for several months every year”, Ms Duffy added.
The BreastScreen Queensland service is provided free to women aged 40 years and over. Women aged 50 – 74 are encouraged to have a breast screen every two years, as studies show that this age group benefits the most from regular screening.
Finding breast cancer early can increase treatment options and save lives.
The BreastScreen Queensland has a service at The Lakes Centre, Caboolture, open five days a week and the mobile service will be at Bribie Island Library from 6 June until the end of August.
No doctor’s referral is needed. For more information, to update contact details or to make an appointment call 13 20 50 or visit breastscreen.qld.gov.au
THE FACTS:
• 75% of women diagnosed with breast cancer are over 50. Younger women do get breast cancer, but the risk of breast cancer increases dramatically after the age of 50.
• 9 out of 10 women diagnosed with breast cancer have NO family history of the disease. While women with a family history of breast cancer are more at risk, most women diagnosed have no family history of the disease at all.
• A breast screen every two years is the best way to detect breast cancer early, well before you or your doctor can feel anything.
Media contact: Kelly Hart and Gillian Duffy | direct: 5470 5041 | reception: 5470 5055
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