October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM). The month is an opportunity to raise awareness about the disease and the importance of finding breast cancer early.
While 1 in 7 Victorian women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, Australia has one of the best breast cancer survival rates in the world-91% after 5 years. These rates continue to improve thanks to better treatment and early detection. The earlier breast cancer is found, the easier it is to treat. BreastScreen Victoria encourages women to use BCAM as a reminder to be breast aware. This includes getting to know the look and feel of your breasts and conducting regular self-checks for breast symptoms-such as lumps or skin puckering.
For women aged 50-74, being breast aware also means having a breast screen (mammogram) every two years.
It’s recommended that women aged between 50 and 74 have a breast screen every two years. Regular screening is the best way to find breast cancer early-before symptoms present. It can find cancer as small as a grain of rice, long before it can be seen or felt.
For women located in Pakenham and surrounds, a new permanent BreastScreen clinic opened in February. The Main Street clinic replaced a biennial visit by the program’s mobile screening van.
Pakenham BreastScreen is fitted with modern facilities and state-of-the-art imaging technology. The friendly female staff at the clinic are trained to perform the screen in just 10 minutes. There’s no need for a doctor’s referral or Medicare card.
Pakenham BreastScreen is located at 20 Main Street, Pakenham 3810.
Appointments at the Pakenham clinic can be made online at breastscreen.org.au or by calling 13 20 50.
