Women are being urged by BreastScreen Victoria to visit their van in Cranbourne for a free breast screen.
More than 1,500 women across Victoria—and 71 women in Casey alone—might have breast cancer, but don’t know it because they haven’t had a breast screen, BreastScreen Victoria statistics have revealed.A breast screen every two years is an essential part of a woman’s well-being over the age of 50, says BreastScreen Victoria chief executive Vicki Pridmore.
Ms Pridmore is encouraging women in Casey to take advantage of the BreastScreen van visit outside Cranbourne Library.
“This result tells us that nearly 14,000 women in Casey didn’t have a breast screen in the two years before June 2017. I hope we see this number decrease as more women prioritise their health,” Ms Pridmore said.
To help find these women, the BreastScreen Victoria van will be parked outside Cranbourne Library—where women can pop in or make an appointment in advance.
“You can support someone you know to have a breast screen. You can even go with them to their appointment—a breast screen takes just 10 minutes, is with a woman and it’s free,” Ms Pridmore said.
Seventy-five percent of women diagnosed with breast cancer are over the age of 50—the vast majority of who have no family history of the disease.
BreastScreen Victoria targets women aged 50 to 74 with early detection, giving women the best chance of successful treatment and recovery.
The van will be outside Cranbourne Library, 65 Berwick-Cranbourne Rd, Cranbourne East from 12 March to 18 April.
Appointments for the Cranbourne van can be made online at breastscreen.org.au or by calling 13 20 50.
