Today marks the beginning of Breast Cancer Awareness month and  Breastscreen NSW staff want to remind women in western NSW to be vigilant about the disease. 

In 2022, more than 20,000 Australians will be diagnosed with breast cancer and over 3,200 people will die from this disease.  

The better news is that, in the 25 years from 1989–1993 to 2014–2018, the five-year relative survival for breast cancer improved from 77% to 92%. 

More than 250 women expected to be diagnosed in Western NSW Local Health District with breast cancer this year, and while the survival rates are creeping higher, it is the steps you take that might make the difference. 

Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women in NSW, with one in seven being diagnosed in their lifetime.  

Professor Tracey O’Brien, Chief Cancer Officer NSW & CEO of the Cancer Institute NSW said that age and being female are the two biggest risk factors to developing breast cancer.  

“More than 75 per cent of breast cancers occur in women over 50 and we know that screening saves lives by finding breast cancer early," she said. 

“We need women to know that breast cancer can happen to anyone. In fact, nine out of 10 women who develop breast cancer have no family history." 

We all know someone who has suffered from breast cancer and it would be rare to find anyone in our community who has not lost a close friend or loved one from the disease yet not all women are taking up the opportunities that are available to have their breasts checked. 

 “There are many reasons why women may put off their breast screen," Professor O'Brien said. 

"Some feel that without a family history they are not at risk, some say they are too busy, and others fear embarrassment about the procedure."

 Most towns around the western plains generally receive a visit from the too-pink-to-miss-it Mobile Breastscreen Van at least once every two years. 

They generally stay for at least a week in each place and send reminder letters and text messages to eligible women in the area to remind them to book in for their mammogram. 

The free service is available to all women aged between 50 and 74 years and just takes 20 minutes. 

But if you missed the van in your town this time round or you are younger than 50 years, there's no need to wait as GPs can also perform a check or you can book in to Breastscreen Centres in places like Dubbo. 

The screening service there is located beside the hospital carpark in Myall Street. 

"BreastScreen NSW staff are highly trained and support women through the process. Screening provides great peace of mind,” Professor O’Brien said.  

BreastScreen NSW recommends all women aged 50-74 years have a breast screen every two years. It takes just 20 minutes. Call 13 20 50 to book an appointment or book online. 

Find out more about breast cancer signs and symptoms here.