October is national Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Territory women are being urged to be breast aware to help in the fight against breast cancer.
“One in nine women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime,” said Kim Coulter, Manager of Cancer Screening Services NT. “It is important women are aware of how their breasts look and feel and see a doctor if they notice any changes.
“Early detection can save lives. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women so we advise women over 50 to have a mammogram every two years.
“We have great screening services in the Territory through BreastScreenNT clinics in major centres and the mobile screening service which travels to remote areas.”
BreastScreenNT is a free service for all women over the age of 50 years with no breast issues.
More than 4250 Territory women have been screened so far this year, with the mobile screening service seeing more than 2200 women since the launch of the 4WD BreastScreenNT bus in July 2014.
“This mobile service means women in the bush can have their mammograms closer to home instead of travelling hundreds of kilometres to a clinic, which means increased accessibility to be screened and breast cancer can be detected earlier, which increases survival rates.,” Ms Coulter said.
“Breast screening is free, takes less than 30 minutes and does not require a doctor’s referral.
“Now is the perfect time to book your next appointment, or if you’re already having screening, encourage you friends and family to make an appointment.”
To celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month, BreastScreenNT is excited to be offering free screening mammograms at the BreastScreenNT bus situated in the Parliament House grounds from 19 October through to 23 October.
The Alice Springs office at Eurilpa House will also be offering screening from 5 October to 6 November.
Appointments are also available at the permanent clinics in Casuarina, Palmerston and Alice Springs.
For information or to make an appointment, phone 13 20 50.
“No matter what your age, if you notice any changes to your breasts, see your GP straight away.”
Media contact: Kirsty Reid 8999 2818