FREE mammogram screenings are being made available next month as part of a collaboration between Golden Plains Shire and Breast Screen Victoria.<\/p>\n
Fifteen bookings are open for check-ups, which are being offered to women between 50 and 74 years old.<\/p>\n
Breast Screen Victoria\u2019s director of communications and client engagement Mel Surrao said it\u2019s important older women get checked for breast cancer every two years.<\/p>\n
\u201cOther than being female, age is the most significant risk factor for developing breast cancer,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cRisk of breast cancer increases with age. Seventy-five per cent of all breast cancers in all Australia are diagnosed in women over 50.<\/p>\n
\u201cBreast screens detect cancer early before it\u2019s even felt or noticed. If breast cancer is found early, it\u2019s more likely to be small and successfully treated.\u201d<\/p>\n
Alongside the free screenings, the event will include a social wellness activity hosted by Golden Plains Shire staff.<\/p>\n
Transport options will be available, with pick-ups and drop-offs to be made at Bannockburn Heart and The Well at Smythesdale.<\/p>\n
Ms Surrao said their annual initiatives are an encouragement for women who may be hesitant to attend a breast screening.<\/p>\n
\u201cBarriers include low-perceived susceptibility to breast cancer because they don\u2019t have symptoms. If they don\u2019t have a family history or they feel heavy, there\u2019s often that low-perceived susceptibility,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cHigh 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019re the main barriers you hear and we\u2019re trying to mitigate or myth-bust, to help people understand the risk and why it\u2019s important to get that peace of mind.\u201d<\/p>\n
BSV estimates one in seven Victorian women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.<\/p>\n
The free mammogram session will take place at the Ballarat Breast Screen Clinic from 10am to 12pm on Tuesday, 7 March.<\/p>\n
Registrations close on Tuesday, 28 February and can be made at the municipality\u2019s website.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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\u2019s director of communications and client engagement Mel Surrao said it\u2019s important older […]<\/p>\n