More women are choosing breast screening across NSW
As we mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we're encouraging women across NSW to start a conversation about breast screening with the people they care about.
This year, almost 390,000 women screened with BreastScreen NSW
Almost 390,000 women screened with BreastScreen NSW this year, making it our highest annual screening result to date.
This record milestone highlights the growing awareness of the importance of regular breast screening and demonstrates the positive impact that communities can have when women encourage one another to prioritise their health.
While we are celebrating this achievement, there is still more work to do. Despite our strongest screening year on record, nearly one in two eligible women in NSW are not up to date with their breast screen.
That's why this Breast Cancer Awareness Month, BreastScreen NSW is encouraging women to take part in our Be a Friend. Tell a Friend. campaign. A simple conversation with a friend, sister, mother, colleague or loved one could be the reminder they need to book a life-saving breast screen.
Across NSW, 51.6% of eligible women are up to date with their two-yearly breast screen, with regional NSW leading participation at 57.8%.
For women aged 50 to 74, a free breast screen every two years is the best way to detect breast cancer early, before it can be seen or felt. Early detection can improve treatment outcomes and reduce the need for more invasive treatment.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women in NSW, accounting for almost 30% of new cancer diagnoses and 15% of cancer deaths. While family history can increase risk, age and being female remain the biggest risk factors.
We know there are many reasons women may put their health appointments on hold. That's why BreastScreen NSW is committed to making screening as accessible as possible through our statewide network of clinics and mobile screening services. You can find your nearest service on our screening locations page.
If you're wondering whether breast screening is right for you, visit our eligibility information page to learn more.
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, help us build on our record screening result by being a friend and telling a friend about breast screening. Together, we can encourage more women to screen regularly and help detect breast cancer early, when treatment is often simpler and outcomes are better.
Learn more about what happens at a breast screening appointment and book your free breast screen when you're due.
