Myall Lakes MP Tanya Thompson has welcomed the rollout of cutting-edge machine reading breast screen technology, and has underlined the need for a permanent and dedicated screening facility in our area.
“This is great news for women’s health. This technology was initially a 12-month trial, used to read images from women aged 50-59 and is now being rolled out to all women. It has significantly reduced call backs for extra tests and biopsies because it is more accurate,” Mrs Thompson said.
“This means less unnecessary callbacks and less stress, without compromising on detection rates. A real win for women in regional areas who often need to travel for screenings.
“Now I am calling on the NSW Government to make screening available in this area permanently.
“It is outrageous that women in the Great Lakes have to travel to either Newcastle or Port Macquarie, or wait for the screening van’s yearly visit to access a dedicated service that should really be available locally. There is a mammogram available at Taree, but they are fully booked until January next year.
“For people who work, have caring responsibilities, and other commitments, that’s crazy. Why should they need to travel for an essential, life-saving service?
“A check with BreastScreen NSW is free, requires no referral, takes only 20 minutes, and all radiographers are female. There are women in our communities who are only comfortable accessing this free, dedicated, female-staffed service.”
More than 75% of breast cancers occur in women over 50 and regular screening is the best way to find breast cancer early.
For more information about BreastScreen NSW visit www.breastscreen.nsw.gov.au or call 13 20 50.
