The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien, is encouraging local women to take part in the free BreastScreen Victoria program to help tackle breast cancer in the region.
Mr O’Brien said 53 per cent of women in the Gippsland South electorate are participating in regular breast screening every two years, slightly above the state average of 52.5 per cent, but still well below where it should be.
“While it’s positive that Gippsland South is just above the state average, both figures are too low,” Mr O’Brien said.
“It means nearly half of eligible women aged between 50 and 74 are not having regular breast screens.
“Before the coronavirus pandemic in 2019, participation was around 57 per cent. We need to get back to, and improve on, those levels.”
“Early detection gives women the best chance of a positive outcome.”
Mr O’Brien said the BreastScreen Victoria program is a free service that takes around ten minutes and could save lives.
BreastScreen Victoria advises that the biggest risk factor for breast cancer is being a woman over 50, with one in eight Victorian women diagnosed in their lifetime.
Around 75 per cent of diagnoses occur in women over 50, with most having no family history of the disease.
Regular screening is the best way to detect breast cancer early, often before symptoms appear, when treatment is most effective.
Women can find their nearest BreastScreen Victoria clinic or mobile service by visiting breastscreen.org.au/locations or by calling 13 20 50.