Greater Access To Breast Screening Services In Tweed
Posted: 13 July, 2009
Now local women can not only access breast screening services all year round, but after hours too! BreastScreen NSW North Coast opened a new permanent facility in Tweed Heads last year, with new digital technology. Now, BreastScreen is also providing appointments to women on Thursday nights and Saturdays. “The extended screening hours have been very popular, particularly with working women”, says Melissa Rahmate, Health Promotion Officer.
Mammograms remain an important women’s health check, as one in nine women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime and each year more than 900 NSW women lose their lives to the disease.
Breast Cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths among NSW women. However when detected early, the survival rate in NSW is now at 97 per cent. A mammogram can detect cancers in the early stages. Any lump that can be detected through self examination is often about four times bigger, thereby reducing survival rates and treatment options.
Women aged 50 to 69 years are particularly encouraged to contact BreastScreen for their free two yearly mammograms. However all women over the age of forty (including those 70 and over) are able to receive free mammograms.
The Tweed Heads BreastScreen Clinic is located within the grounds of The Tweed Hospital. Appointments can be made by phoning 13 20 50 or Tweed Heads residents may prefer to dial 02) 6622 1822 (residents living near the QLD border can inadvertently be diverted to the QLD service).