Cancer screening saves lives

Cancer screening saves lives

Women aged 45-69 in the Western Bay of Plenty can access free transport to and from breast screening appointments, thanks to a service offered by Te Kupenga Hauora o Tauranga.

“We can also go along to the appointment with them if they need support,” says breast screening coordinator Karen Semmens.

Te Kupenga Hauora o Tauranga is working with GP practices throughout the region to refer women to the service and Karen says it’s as easy as picking up the phone.

“Any GP practice in the Western Bay can call us for assistance,” she says. “Staff at the Gate Pa Medical Centre have used our service and referred more women to the breast screening programme as a result.”

“Some women are fearful of what to expect at an appointment,” says Gate Pa Medical Centre’s practice nurse Cathy Haxell. “Generally when they’ve been once and realise there’s nothing to worry about, they are happy to go again.”

Gate Pa GP Dr Geoff Esterman says for other women it is simply a case of not having the transport available to attend appointments.

“The service from Te Kupenga Hauora is excellent,” he says. “We call Karen and she is often available the next day.”

Breast cancer is a significant health issue for all women, and particularly for Maori and Pacific women, but the impact of breast cancer can be reduced by early detection through mammography screening.

For more information on breast screening, speak to your GP about a referral or contact Breastscreen Aotearoa on 0800 270 200. For help with travel assistance or support at an appointment, ask your GP for a referral to Te Kupenga Hauora.

ENDS

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