Mobile Screening Service Celebrates 20 Years in Birchip
The BreastScreen Victoria Mobile Screening Service celebrates 20 years of screening in Birchip as it returns to the region in June.
More than 5,500 screens have been performed at Birchip during the past two decades.
In 2010, Culgoa woman Zelma Warne saw the mobile screening service in town which prompted her to book an appointment.
The 63 year old said it was a rude shock when she was subsequently diagnosed with breast cancer.
“It was the furthest thing in my mind, I was feeling well but they found an aggressive tumour in my left breast,” Mrs Warne said.
A lumpectomy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy followed and Mrs Warne is now feeling well again.
I’m incredibly glad, this service saved my life so I tell other women it’s worth it, it’s really worth it, it doesn’t take long, all the other times I screened I got peace of mind, but this time I got my life back.
Nina, the bright pink screening service will be located at the Birchip campus of East Wimmera Health Service on Duncan Street until June 24. Radiographers aim to screen 523 local women during its stay. More than 250 appointments have already been booked.
BreastScreen Victoria particularly encourages women aged 50 to 74 to screen as it is proven they are at most benefit from the program.
Acting BreastScreen Victoria CEO Doris Whitmore urges local women to prioritise their health and book an appointment.
“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 Whitmore.
“I hope women in neighbouring areas such as Turriff East, Tempy, Patchewollock, Wycheproof, Nullawil, Culgoa, Berriwillock and Sea Lake take advantage of the opportunity to be screened.”
Women diagnosed with breast cancer are surviving significantly longer than ever before. The five year breast cancer survival rate is now at more than 89 per cent and can be attributed to breast screening and improved treatment options.
To make an appointment book online at breastscreen.org.au or call 13 20 50.