If you haven’t booked your potentially life-saving breast screen yet, make it a priority this August, while the mobile breast screening van is visiting Bribie Island Library.

Kelly Hart, Health Promotion Officer, BreastScreen Sunshine Coast said, “Life shouldn’t get in the way of our health. For the sake of ourselves and our families, it’s important to buck the busy life trend, prioritise our health and breast screening.

“Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women, so regular breast screens are crucial to detect early signs, before they are seen or even felt.”

“Women aged 50-74 years are particularly encouraged to book their two-yearly breast screen, however women aged over 40 are also eligible to attend,” Ms Hart said.

“Making a potentially life-saving breast screening appointment is simple, just pick up the phone and call 13 20 50 or book online at breastscreen.qld.gov.au.”

A breast screen takes less than 30 minutes and women do not need a doctor’s referral.

Early morning appointments start from 7.30am to assist busy, working women fit in a breast screen.

Ms Hart said, “Bribie women show strong support for breast screening each year and other women are encouraged to follow their lead and think pink whilst the mobile van is in town.”

“BreastScreen is proud to offer a convenient and caring breast screening service that is fast, free, friendly and female.

Our female staff are very experienced and understand the needs, fears and concerns of other women, to make them feel comfortable, cared for and at ease,”

Ms Hart said.

Women who are unable to attend the mobile van whilst it’s visiting Bribie, can book an appointment at the Caboolture Breast Screen Clinic, Suite 5 Lakes Centre, 8-22 King Street, which operates weekdays and some Saturdays.

THE FACTS:

75% of women diagnosed with breast cancer are over 50. Younger women do get breast cancer, but the risk of breast cancer increases dramatically after 50.

9 out of 10 women diagnosed with breast cancer have NO family history of the disease.

While women with a family history of breast cancer are more at risk, most women diagnosed have no family history of the disease at all.

Breast screening every two years is the best way to detect breast cancer early, well before you or your doctor can feel anything.

Women aged 40 years and over are eligible for a free breast screen every two years at a BreastScreen Queensland Service.

Women aged 50-74 years are particularly encouraged to attend.

To book your appointment, call 13 20 50 or book online at breastscreen.qld.gov.au