Free breast screening van parks in Inverell until December

Inverell women have until Friday, 18 December, to book a free breast screen that takes less than 20 minutes and could catch cancer before it can be seen or felt.

The BreastScreen NSW mobile screening van is now set up in the public car park on the corner of Evans and Campbell streets in Inverell.

BreastScreen NSW provides free breast screening to women to support the early detection of breast cancer. For women over 40, a screen can find cancers early, when treatment is most successful.

“Detecting breast cancer early increases your chance of survival while reducing the likelihood of invasive treatment, such as mastectomy or chemotherapy,” said BreastScreen NSW Hunter New England Manager Rebecca Delaporte.

“Around 90 per cent of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history. This is why breast cancer screening is so important for all eligible women.”

Delaporte said having the van in Inverell makes it easier for local women to attend their recommended two-yearly screening.

“Life gets busy and we want women to make their health a priority,” Delaporte said.

Appointments are free, take less than 20 minutes, and no doctor’s referral is needed.

Who should screen:

• All women are invited to screen every two years from age 50.
• BreastScreen NSW recommends Aboriginal women start screening from 40.
• Any woman with a family history of breast cancer should talk to their GP about their specific needs.
• Anyone with breast symptoms should contact their GP or health worker without delay.

The mobile clinic has a lift system to help women with mobility issues or disability have their mammogram. Women with additional needs are encouraged to let BreastScreen NSW know when booking.

Screening details:

• Where: Public car park, corner of Evans and Campbell streets, Inverell
• When: Appointments available until Friday, 18 December
• Cost: Free

To book a free mammogram, visit BreastScreen NSW or call 13 20 50.