Free screenings for residents

FREE mammogram screenings are being made available next month as part of a collaboration between Golden Plains Shire and Breast Screen Victoria.

Fifteen bookings are open for check-ups, which are being offered to women between 50 and 74 years old.

Breast Screen Victoria’s director of communications and client engagement Mel Surrao said it’s important older women get checked for breast cancer every two years.

“Other than being female, age is the most significant risk factor for developing breast cancer,” she said.

“Risk of breast cancer increases with age. Seventy-five per cent of all breast cancers in all Australia are diagnosed in women over 50.

“Breast screens detect cancer early before it’s even felt or noticed. If breast cancer is found early, it’s more likely to be small and successfully treated.”

Alongside the free screenings, the event will include a social wellness activity hosted by Golden Plains Shire staff.

Transport options will be available, with pick-ups and drop-offs to be made at Bannockburn Heart and The Well at Smythesdale.

Ms Surrao said their annual initiatives are an encouragement for women who may be hesitant to attend a breast screening.

“Barriers include low-perceived susceptibility to breast cancer because they don’t have symptoms. If they don’t have a family history or they feel heavy, there’s often that low-perceived susceptibility,” she said.

“High levels of fear and concern about breast cancer is another. A huge one we hear often is fear of pain and discomfort because of the process itself.

“They’re the main barriers you hear and we’re trying to mitigate or myth-bust, to help people understand the risk and why it’s important to get that peace of mind.”

BSV estimates one in seven Victorian women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.

The free mammogram session will take place at the Ballarat Breast Screen Clinic from 10am to 12pm on Tuesday, 7 March.

Registrations close on Tuesday, 28 February and can be made at the municipality’s website.