OCTOBER is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and BreastScreen NSW is encouraging clients, staff and the community to “Tell a Friend” about the importance of regular screening and how to book an appointment.
The target audience is women aged 50-74 years, with 43 percent of women in the Mid North Coast region overdue for their two-year breast cancer screening.
Director of BreastScreen NSW North Coast Patrick Magee, said with more than 250 local women expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer this year, women need to put themselves first and book a screening.
“If you’re aged 50 to 74, make breast screening a priority; it only takes 20 minutes and no doctor’s referral is needed,” Mr Magee said
“Early detection significantly increases a person’s chance of survival and can greatly reduce the need for invasive treatment like a mastectomy.”
Coffs Harbour breast cancer survivor Jodie-Anne Wilson-Hocking is testament to that.
She lost her mum to the disease in 2021, and in 2024, at age 43, she was diagnosed with early breast cancer during her regular Breast Screen NSW check.
“During the screening and biopsy, doctors found a single early-stage lobular carcinoma in situ,” she told News Of The Area.
“After surgery, they discovered I actually had two types: lobular carcinoma in situ and ductal carcinoma in situ.
“Without screening, both would have gone unnoticed.
“I had no lumps, no signs, and no idea anything was there.”
Jodie-Anne praises the care and compassion of the BreastScreen NSW team throughout the process, making what could have been a frightening time easier; “and I’m forever grateful it was found early”.
“My message is simple: please don’t delay your regular screening – early detection truly can save your life”.
A record 36,500 women booked their breast screen in October 2024.
This year, the “Be A Friend, Tell A Friend” promotion will encourage more conversations so more women across NSW book this potentially lifesaving appointment.
NSW Chief Cancer Officer and CEO of the Cancer Institute NSW, Professor Tracey O’Brien AM, said that as a community we need to take the threat of breast cancer seriously.
“We all have a role to play in lessening the impact of breast cancer, ” Professor O’Brien said.
“Talk to the women in your life and support them to be screened.”
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women with age and being female the biggest risk factors – not a family history of breast cancer.
Any woman who has noticed a change in their breasts, like a lump, should see their doctor without delay.
For more information and to make an appointment at a local BreastScreen NSW clinic or mobile van, call 13 20 50 or book online at www.breastscreen.nsw.gov.au
For more information, visit breastscreen.nsw.gov.au/breast-cancer-awareness-month/.
By Andrea FERRARI
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