Rodney Stevens
Women from across the Clarence Valley can access their free two-yearly breast screen from Clarence Valley Imaging, Grafton, after the successful partnership between the clinic and BreastScreen NSW has been extended.
BreastScreen NSW provides free breast screening to women to support the early detection of breast cancer, and Clarence Valley women will be able to get a free breast scan until the end of 2024.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting Australian women, but as a nation we have one of the best breast cancer survival rates in the world.
In 2023 the Breast Cancer Network Australia predicted 20,458 women and 217 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer, an average of 57 people every day.
The risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer over a person’s lifetime, according to the BCNA, is 1 in 7 for women and 1 in 542 for men.
Approximately 80 per-cent of new breast cancer cases diagnosed are in women aged 50 or above, while the chance of surviving for at least 5 years after suffering breast cancer has increased from 78 per-cent in 1990-1994 to 92 per-cent in 2014-2019.
Acting Director BreastScreen NSW North Coast, Maggie Bawer said a regular breast screen is one of the most important things women can do for their health.
“Detecting breast cancer early increases your chance of survival while reducing the likelihood of invasive treatment, such as mastectomy or chemotherapy,” she said.
“One in seven women in NSW will develop breast cancer and around 90 per cent of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history.
“This is why breast cancer screening is so important for all eligible women.
“Bringing these vital services to Grafton means more local women can be screened.
“Life gets busy, and we want women to make their health a priority.”
A breast screen appointment is free, it takes less than 20 minutes and doesn’t need a doctor’s referral.
To book in for your free breast screen at Clarence Valley Imaging, 137 Fitzroy Street, Grafton, call 13 20 50 or visit https://book.breastscreen.nsw.gov.au/