Free breast screen service

Women in South Hedland will have access to free mammograms at the end of this month.

Women aged 40 and over will get the free access as BreastScreen WA’s mobile service travels to Hedland Health Campus from August 30 until September 27.

BreastScreen WA medical director Dr Elizabeth Wylie said screening mammography was the most effective method for early detection of breast cancer.

“Screening every two years is vitally important to increase the chance of a breast cancer being detected when it is too small to feel or be noticed,” she said.

“Finding a cancer at this early stage often means that the breast cancer is small and more treatable.”

“A free screening mammogram is one of the best things that women can do to look after their health.”

Due to popular demand, the screening service returns to Pilbara towns each year to help women who do not have access to metropolitan services.

The scan will take 20 minutes and may detect up to 90 per cent of breast cancers.

More than 75 per cent of breast cancers occur in women over the age of 50 and research shows the screening is most effective for women aged 50-74.

After the Hedland visit, the mobile screening service will move on to Roebourne and Karratha.

To make an appointment for a mammogram women can book online at breastscreen.health.wa.gov.au or call 13 20 50.