A mobile breast screening service in Kilmore is open and available for appointments through late August to September.
Operated by BreastScreen Victoria, the service provides free mammograms to those aged 50 to 74 without breast cancer symptoms.
With 57 Australians diagnosed with breast cancer and nine dying from the disease every day, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australian women.
However, if diagnosed early, breast cancer can be successfully treated – which mammograms aim to do.
Prevention remains the best cure, and with smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, family history, age, breast density, and gene mutations all increasing the risk of breast cancer, locals are reminded to live as active a lifestyle as possible.
It is important for individuals to self-check their breasts for any changes regularly too, with signs and symptoms to look for including redness, soreness, swelling, and rashes. Changes in appearance of the entire breast are also important to note, as well as discharge and lumps.
To self-check, use fingers to feel, in a circular motion, from the collarbone to below the bra-line and under the armpit. Follow a pattern to ensure the entire breast is checked.
While self-checking can help in detecting obvious signs and symptoms, oftentimes cancer does not present itself clearly. A mammogram or breast screening is therefore the next best step to take to look for what cannot yet be seen or felt.
With the pink van conveniently located at the Kilmore Racing Club, locals are invited to take the opportunity to book their appointment now before the van leaves on September 27.
To book a free appointment, call 13 20 50 or visit www.bookings.breastscreen.org.au.
