Local women across the City of Wyndham are being encouraged to be screened for Breast Cancer after statistics from BreastScreen Victoria show below-average screening rates across the Wyndham Local Government Area.
Federal Member for Lalor Joanne Ryan and State Member for Tarneit Sarah Connolly yesterday visited the BreastScreen Victoria clinic in Werribee to meet with CEO Terri Smith and discuss falling screening rates, and how to encourage more women to get screened.
Between 2017 and 2019, only 47.9% of people aged 50-74 in Tarneit participated in the BreastScreen program, meaning that approximately 5,130 eligible people who have not been screened for Breast Cancer. This is almost 6% below the state average of 53.8%. More broadly, the City of Wyndham underperformed by 10%, with only 43.8% of eligible women receiving breast screens.
BreastScreen Victoria provide free mammograms to up to 70% of women aged 50-74 the age group most at risk of developing breast cancer every two years. However, all women over the age of 40 are welcome to participate.
The program is jointly funded by the Commonwealth and State Governments as part of BreastScreen Australia.
Locals can learn more about BreastScreen Victoria and the services they provide at https://www.breastscreen.org.au/
Quotes attributable to Member for Lalor Joanne Ryan
A regular mammogram every two years could save your life, and BreastScreen Victoria provide them free right here in Werribee.
Quotes attributable to Member for Tarneit Sarah Connolly
Early detection through regular breast screening can save lives. We should all be spreading the word; reminding our friends and family of just how important screening is.