1500 Victorian women may have breast cancer without knowing it
Half of Victorian women aged between 50 and 74 are avoiding free breast cancer screenings that could save their lives, which has experts concerned many are living with the disease without knowing.
Health
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More than 1500 Victorian women are likely to have breast cancer without knowing it due to screening black holes across the state.
New data shows almost half of Victorian women aged 50-74 are not participating in regular free screening that could save their life from breast cancer.
The analysis by BreastScreen Victoria also reveals huge differences across the state, with 85 per cent of women in some areas undertaking screening compared to just 21 per cent in others.
The worst four performing areas – Benambra, Footscray, Cranbourne and Williamstown – cover a mix of regional and metropolitan, high and low socio-economic areas, underlying the complexity of improving Victoria’s cancer screening rates.
Free mammograms are provided and recommended for all women every two years from age 50 to 74. Screening is also provided for women over 40 if they are deemed at increased risk of breast cancer.
As BreastScreen Victorian launches a major push to improve screening rates, spokeswoman Louise Moreland said barriers included a lack of awareness of free mammograms, cultural issues and fear.
“People often tell us they leave themselves until last and they don’t have time, or women are too busy and leave their health until last,” she said.
“We want to target the missing women who are not having their screens and could have breast cancer and don’t know it because they haven’t had their screening.
“With our screening we are able to catch a cancer the size of a grain of rice, which is at an early stage where we can detect cancer before it become a problem.”
“You can beat this early if you just participate in having your screening done on a regular basis.”
With Victoria’s breast screen rate plateauing at 56 per cent in recent years, the latest data has been broken down into Victorian electorates and provided to all state MPs so they can drive improvements in their areas.
In the best performing areas of Mornington, Nepean, Niddrie, St Albans, Warrandyte and South Barwon at least two out of three women undergo regular screening.
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Health Minister Jenny Mikakos said earlier detection and improved treatments had improved the five-year survival rate from 73 per cent in 1986 to 91 per cent today.
“When it comes to breast cancer, we know early diagnosis is the key to survival,” Ms Mikakos said.
“I’m calling on Victorian women to prioritise their own health and, if you’re over 50, to get a breast screen every two years – its free, takes just 10 minutes, and may save your life or the life of someone you love.”
Women aged 50-74 are encouraged to have a free, two-yearly checks with BreastScreen Victoria by calling 13 20 50 or booking online.
For more information, visit breastcreen.org.au.