5 October 2009

Auckland women due for their two-yearly breast screening are being reminded to make mammograms a priority in October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Debbie Van Ryswyk from BreastScreen Auckland says eligible women aged between 45 and 69 can have free mammograms every two years through the BreastScreen Aotearoa programme.

She says October is the perfect time for women who are due for their breast screening to book an appointment.

“Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a great opportunity to reinforce the important messages about breast cancer and breast screening. We know that screening can find very small cancers before a lump can be felt – and this could save your life.

“A mammogram can find a breast cancer that is nearly a quarter of the size of a lump you may feel through self examination. When breast cancer is detected early, it can usually be treated before it spreads to another part of your body.

“The message for all women aged 45 to 69 is don't put off having your free mammogram!”

Debbie says that while increases are being seen in our screening coverage, we still need more Maori and Pacific women to come for their two-yearly mammograms.

“We’re asking our Maori and Pacific women and communities to make breast screening a priority in October.

“Our service is committed to supporting our women into BreastScreen Aotearoa. Whether it’s talking women through the registration process, being flexible with our appointment times or simply helping with transport, we will make the service work.”

The programme aims to screen 70 percent of eligible women every two years. National figures to June 2009 show that around 56 percent of eligible Pacific women and 52 percent of eligible Maori women were screened by the programme. This compares to 68 percent for other women.

To register with BreastScreen Aotearoa, call freephone 0800 270 200, or visit http://www.breastscreen.govt.nz.

Debbie says the mobile breast screening unit is placed to allow easy access for communities. It will be at Mt Wellington Community Church, on the corner of Waipuna and Mt Wellington highway, from 12 October to 11 November.

ENDS

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