Victorian women risk their lives
A Melton woman almost cancelled the breast screen appointment that led to her early breast cancer diagnosis and potentially saved her life.
Due to a busy full time work schedule, 53 year old Kerri Welsh was about to put off her appointment for a second time, until she was told about an after-hours BreastScreen clinic.
The receptionist advised they were open late, this was a godsend for someone who works full time and most likely saved my life or at least a lot more heartache.
Kerri attended the Moonee Ponds BreastScreen clinic and was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009. She has since had a mastectomy and encourages other women not to be complacent about prioritising their health.
“The diagnosis was an absolute shock for me. Although I lost my breast I did not have to have chemo or radiation and have been on Tamoxifen since.”
The breast cancer survivor was surprised to learn that participation in the BreastScreen program has fallen throughout Victoria. The statewide average participation rate for women in the target age range of 50 to 69 has decreased from 55 per cent in 2010-12 to 54 per cent in 2011-13.
“The aging population means it’s more important than ever for all women from the age of 50 to 74 to have a breast screen every two years,” said BreastScreen Victoria CEO Vicki Pridmore.
Only 52 per cent of eligible women from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds take advantage of the program. Meanwhile, the participation rate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women is just 34 per cent, an increase of five per cent on the previous year, but still considerably lower than the statewide average and the BreastScreen Australia screening target of 70 per cent.
Ms 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 and it only takes 10 minutes every two years,” she said.
BreastScreen Victoria particularly encourages women aged 50 to 74* to screen as it is proven they are at most benefit from the program.
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.
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 3 20 50 or book online at breastscreen.org.au.