Non-English speaking women risk their lives
Just one in three Victorian women from some non-English speaking backgrounds have regular breast screens, according to data released by BreastScreen Victoria.
The latest BreastScreen Victoria statistics show that women from German (35%), Dutch (41%), Tagalog (46%), Polish (47%) and Serbian (48%) speaking homes are screening at well below the general Victorian participation rate of 54% for women aged 50 to 69.
BreastScreen Victoria CEO Vicki Pridmore says these figures are concerning and she urges women of all backgrounds to take advantage of the free service.
Breast screens are conducted by a female radiographer, it only takes 10 minutes every two years and could potentially save your life.
BreastScreen Victoria has 39 permanent screening clinics and 8 assessment services throughout Victoria. Women aged 50 to 74 are particularly encouraged to have a regular breast screen as it is proven they are at most benefit from the program.
While overall, only 52 per cent of eligible women from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds take advantage of the program, some nationalities are exceeding expectations.
“I’m pleased to report that women from Turkish (71%), Vietnamese (70%), Maltese (65%) Macedonian (62%), Cantonese (62%) and Croatian (62%) speaking homes are screening at well above the statewide average rate,” Ms Pridmore says.
Regular breast screens are the best way to find breast cancer early, before any symptoms are able to be noticed and when treatment is likely to be most successful.
“BreastScreen Victoria provides in-language materials and an interpreter service where required to help all women access our service,” Ms Pridmore says.
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.
The BreastScreen Victoria data analysis measures the proportion of the eligible female population attending the program within the recommended two year screening interval during 2011 – 2013.
To make an appointment call 13 20 50 or book online at breastscreen.org.au.