Breast cancer: Hornsby, Ku-ring-gai women not getting mammograms

More than 80 women in the Hornsby and Ku-ring-gai region aged between 50-74 could have breast cancer but aren’t aware because they have not had a mammogram in the past two years, new figures show.

Too many women are not getting mammograms in the region.

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More than 80 women in the Hornsby and Ku-ring-gai region aged between 50-74 could have breast cancer but aren’t aware because they have not had a mammogram in the past two years, new figures show.

The figures were released by Cancer Institute NSW as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month which ran during October.

“Our data shows 16,010 women locally (in the Hornsby and Ku-ring-gai LGAs) are not attending their recommended two-yearly mammograms,” Meredith Kay, from BreastScreen NSW, said.

BreastScreen NSW offers free screenings for women aged 50-74.

“Mammograms are the best way to detect breast cancer before it can be seen or felt, which allows for less invasive treatment and better recovery. They’re also free of charge.’’

BreastScreen NSW, which is managed by the Cancer Institute, offers free screenings for women aged 50-74 and also sends out reminders every two years to women in that age bracket.

Of the 16,010 women who have not had a recent screening in that age bracket, statistics show 82 could have breast cancer.

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“Women tend to have a perception breast cancer is common but don’t think it will happen to them,” Ms Kay said.

“That’s why it can be easy to forget to schedule a mammogram or not make it a priority.”

To book a mammogram call BreastScreen NSW on 13 20 50.

You can also search for your nearest service by visiting breastscreen.nsw.gov.au which includes the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital screening centre which opened in 2014.

Each year, 950 women in NSW die from breast cancer.