The data, released by the Cancer Institute NSW during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, shows the highest numbers of undiagnosed breast cancer are in the South Western Sydney (330), South Eastern Sydney (290), Western Sydney (260) and Hunter New England (260) Local Health Districts.
Chief Cancer Officer and CEO of the Cancer Institute NSW, Professor David Currow, said that encouragingly screening numbers are on the rise.
“Our data shows there have been an additional 32,251 mammograms carried out by BreastScreen NSW in the latest two-year period, with more than half a million women aged 50-74 screened,” Professor Currow said.
“This is a really positive sign that our message is being received. However, every day more and more women are turning 50, so we need to continue to get this lifesaving message across.
“Each year, 950 women in NSW die from breast cancer and despite the risk, more than 400,000 women across the state are still not attending their recommended two-yearly mammograms.
“Women tend to have a perception breast cancer is common, but don’t think it will happen to them. That’s why it can be easy to forget to schedule a mammogram or not make it a priority.
“Mammograms are the best way for women aged 50-74 to detect breast cancer before it can be seen or felt, which allows for less invasive treatment and better recovery,” Professor Currow said.
Ways to reduce your breast cancer risk:
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Exercise regularly.
- Reduce alcohol intake.
- Quit smoking.
Since 1 July 2015, the Cancer Institute NSW has invested more than $4 million on public awareness and education campaigns for breast cancer screening, and awarded more than $2.5 million to local community, health and primary care organisations to promote breast cancer screening.
Breast screening participation rates are driven by many factors, including population growth and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities, which have lower rates of screening than the general population. The Cancer Institute NSW targets these communities through various partnerships, services and funding, including $700,000 since 2016 to improve breast screening participation among CALD women.
In addition to 46 BreastScreen sites, BreastScreen NSW has 16 mobile vans that provide services to about 180 locations across NSW, specifically in rural and remote areas.
To book a mammogram today with BreastScreen NSW, please phone 13 20 50. You can search for your nearest BreastScreen NSW service by visiting breastscreen.nsw.gov.au.