BreastScreenNT bus: ‘Millie’ set for six-month trip across the Territory

For six months, ‘Millie’ will cover 16,000 kilometres and 19 remote communities. Read which towns she will visit and why.

Millie the BreastScreenNT bus begins Territory tour in March 2024.

Thousands of women are expected to be visited by the Territory’s most distinctive vehicle.

‘Millie’, the BreastScreenNT mobile screening bus, is set to start her six month, 16,000 kilometre journey across the Northern Territory – including 19 remote communities – to provide breast cancer screening.

Health Minister Selena Uibo said the pink bus trip was aimed at reaching isolated Territorians. 

“The Territory government will always look at ways to improve our health services for Territorians – in both our remote and urban centres,” she said.

“Everyone deserves access to quality care – this is why we like to bring services to Territorians.”

Millie the BreastScreenNT bus begins its Territory tour this month. Picture: Supplied.

Millie’s service includes free mammograms to women aged 50 to 74 for early detection, with women aged 40 to 49 or over 74 also welcomed to screen.

Survival rates for breast cancer are continuing to improve in Australia with around 92 out of every 100 women diagnosed now surviving five or more years after diagnosis.

Free mammograms will be available to women aged 50 to 74 for early detection. Picture: Supplied.

Ms Uibo called on “all women” who are eligible to get checked.

“The heartbreaking reality is that breast cancer is the most common cancer experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, and remains the second leading cause of cancer death after lung cancer,” she said.

“I encourage all women eligible and concerned to get a breast screen when Millie visits their town.”

Millie will be parked outside Parliament House from March 4 to 8 before heading to Belyuen, Warruwi, Maningrida, Galiwinku, Nhulunbuy, Groote Eylandt, Jabiru, Katherine, Mataranka, Elliot and Tennant Creek, with a final stop in Wadeye.

Originally published as BreastScreenNT bus: ‘Millie’ set for six-month trip across the Territory