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MP Russell Northe encourages Local Women to get a Breast Screen

MP Russell Northe takes the challenge to encourage women to get a breast screen.

By Portal Admin - 5th December 2017 - Back to News

Regular breast screens are an essential component of women’s well-being over the age of 50, and Member for Morwell, Russell Northe is taking up the challenge to encourage more women in the community to take up BreastScreen Victoria’s free program.

The latest BreastScreen Victoria participation statistics for women in the Morwell Electorate reveal that 53% aged 50-74 had a mammogram between July 2014 and June 2016. Across the state, the participation rate is 54%.

"I’m calling on local women to prioritise a breast screen every two years, along with other important routine health checks," said Mr. Northe

"This result tells us that 4152 women in the Morwell Electorate didn’t have a breast screen in the two years to the end of June 2016. I hope we see this number decrease as more women prioritise their health.

"If you’re not yet in the 50-74 age bracket, perhaps you can support someone you know to have a breast screen. Maybe you can even go with them to their appointment – a breast screen takes just 10 minutes and is with a woman."

Seventy-five percent of women diagnosed with breast cancer will be over the age of 50, the vast majority of whom will have no family history of the disease. BreastScreen Victoria targets women aged 50-74 with early detection giving women the best chance of successful treatment and recovery.

Appointments at the BreastScreen Victoria clinic at Latrobe Regional Hospital Consulting Suites 1 & 2 Princes Hwy Traralgon West can be made online at breastscreen.org.au or by calling 13 20 50.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: support@gippsland.com