Breast screens now offered to women aged 70 to 74
Victorian women aged 70 to 74 are invited and reminded to have a breast screen every two years, following a Federal and State Government announcement today.
BreastScreen Australia’s target age range has been extended by five years, from women 50 to 69 years of age to women 50 to 74 years of age.
As a result, BreastScreen Victoria CEO Vicki Pridmore says the organisation expects to screen an additional 12,500 women aged 70 to 74 in 2014-15.
‘Regular breast screens are the best way to find breast cancer early, before any symptoms are noticed and when treatment is likely to be most successful,’ says Ms Pridmore.
Deepdene woman Sally Crisp felt compelled to book her regular breast screen in September last year before jetting off on a trip to Africa.
‘I had no symptoms at all, and didn’t give the breast screen or results any further thought,’ says Mrs Crisp.
When she returned home in October, she opened a letter recommending that she undergo further testing.
‘They found two malignant areas, one on the left and one on the right. They were small, but they were grade three. I was in total disbelief.’
Sally underwent a lumpectomy on both breasts and was treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
I think it’s fantastic that the government has extended the program to women in their early 70s, as having a regular breast screen is so important, in my case, it saved my life.
The fit grandmother of two’s message to women in their early 70s is clear, don’t put it off, make an appointment for a breast screen now.
‘I tell my friends you damn well get on the phone and you get down there for an appointment! Look what happened to me, BreastScreen found cancer early and I was able to be treated,’ she says.
‘I’ve still a hell of a lot of living to do. I didn’t want to say that’s curtains, that’s it, so it’s so important to have a mammogram.’
‘Nationally, this initiative will mean more than 220,000 additional screening services can be delivered throughout BreastScreen Australia over the next four years. From 2016-17, an estimated additional 600 breast cancers may be detected each year,’ says Ms Pridmore.
Women 75 years of age and over are still eligible for free screening mammograms, however they will not receive an invitation to attend.
‘It’s critical that all women, no matter their age, look after their breast health. Women aged over 75 should discuss their overall health management plan with their doctor, which could include breast screening,’ says Ms Pridmore.
Women diagnosed with breast cancer are surviving significantly longer than ever before. The five year breast cancer survival rate now at 89 per cent and can be attributed to breast screening and improved treatment options.
To make an appointment call 13 20 50 or book online at breastscreen.org.au.