BreastScreen Queensland is urging women to add booking a breast screen appointment to their summer “to do” list, so it’s not forgotten among the festive season and holidays.
Medical Director for BreastScreen Queensland Sunshine Coast Dr Fiona Jackson said it’s important to have a regular breast screen every two years.
“This gives us the best chance of finding very small changes which cannot be felt by you or your doctor,” she said.
On the Sunshine Coast, only 50 per cent of women aged 50 to 74 years have had a breast screen in the last two years. For women aged 50 to 54 years this rate falls to 44 per cent.
The service is urging holiday makers to make sure they don’t delay their screen, if they are going to be out of town over summer.
“If you are not sure when your next breast screen is due, give us a call,” Dr Jackson advises.
“I’d also remind women over 75 years that, while you will no longer receive invitation letters from BreastScreen, you are welcome to continue to use our free service.”
BreastScreen Queensland offers free breast screening for women 40 years and over. No doctor’s referral is needed. Appointments take less than 30 minutes and are available at Caloundra, Gympie, Maroochydore, Nambour and Noosaville. Early, late and Saturday appointments available. To book call 13 20 50 or visit www.breastscreen.qld.gov.au
BreastScreen Queensland Sunshine Coast will be closed for screening from 23 December and reopens on Thursday 2 January.
