By Callum Ludwig
A potentially life-saving opportunity is coming to Warburton next month, with residents from the Upper Yarra encouraged to make a booking for a free 10-minute X-ray.
BreastScreen Victoria’s Mobile Screening Van is visiting the town for the first time from 12 to 27 February..
BreastScreen Victoria CEO Rita Butera said she urges Warburton residents to take advantage of the van’s visit and schedule a free breast screening appointment.
“Early detection is vital and ensures that appropriate steps can be taken if necessary. Breast screens are easy to access and very quick,” she said.
“We want Victorian women to consider what they are really screening for when they screen for breast cancer.”
75 per cent of breast cancers occur in women over 50 years old, with any woman, transgender or gender-diverse person between 50 and 74 years old encouraged to get a screening done every two years.
Warburton East resident Linda said the screening is a small amount of discomfort for peace of mind.
“I screen for breast cancer to ensure that I’m still around for as long as I possibly can be for my loved ones,” she said.
“This is one of the many things I can do so that I can enjoy a long, happy life.”
BreastScreen Victoria’s data found that Warburton residents screened for breast cancer at a concerningly low rate; only 32.9 residents of Warburton and the surrounding area had a breast screen within the two years before being surveyed, compared to 49.5 per cent of the state-wide population in that same period.
Getting a screening done does not have to be an intimidating or daunting experience. Upon arrival, a BreastScreen Victoria staff member will explain the screening process before a female radiographer leads the patient to the screening room and a gown can be requested if they would like.
When ready, the radiographer will take two X-rays of each breast – one from the top and one
from the side. Any discomfort should only last a few seconds and is completely normal as the patient’s breasts need to be pressed firmly between two plates on the mammogram machine to ensure the X-ray images are clear.
If the patient has any concerns or questions or is suffering from more severe discomfort or stress they can speak to the radiographer at any time.
After the screening, the X-rays will be reviewed by at least two trained health professionals. Results will be sent in two to four weeks and can also be sent to the patient’s doctor if their details are provided.
Patients may be asked to come back for more testing if there is an area that requires further investigation but do not need to be alarmed by this as most patients called back do not have breast cancer. Those getting their first screening done are more likely to be called back due to the fact there won’t be any X-ray images on record to compare.
Bookings can be made at breastscreen.org.au or by calling 13 20 50.
