Mammography Screening - 15 minutes that can save a woman's life

One in nine women in NSW will develop breast cancer in their life time, yet only 52 per cent of NSW women in the target group are having regular mammograms - a simple x-ray that could save their lives.

A recent study by researchers from the University of Sydney and BreastScreen NSW, has shown that breast screening asymptomatic women 50-69 years of age, saves the lives of 90 extra women in NSW each year.

In commenting on the study, Professor Jim Bishop, CEO of the Cancer Institute NSW said ‘this is an excellent result and shows that screening works, however, we need to do more. If we could increase the participation rates of women having mammograms to 70 per cent, we could save another 30 lives, about 120 women each year.’

‘The State cancer results show that death rates from breast cancer have reduced by 22% in the last ten years. This is good news and mainly due to screening. Mammography screening can detect breast cancer long before a lump can be felt by a woman or doctor. It can pick up a cancer the size of a grain of rice, and it takes just 15 minutes to be screened’ says Professor Bishop.

During the month of March 2006, BreastScreen NSW is extending its hours at selected sites across NSW, targeting well, asymptomatic women between the ages of 50-69 years of age to have a mammogram if they have not had one within the last two years.

Screening is free and no referral is necessary, however, women will need to make an appointment on 13 20 50.

If a woman has a lump or has had breast cancer they should go their doctor, not to the screening program.

 

90 Lives saved every year through breast screening in NSW

Mammography screening is saving the lives of an extra 90 NSW women, aged 50-69 each year according to a study by researchers from BreastScreen NSW and the School of Public Health at the University of Sydney.

Based on this research and at current breast screening rates, it is estimated that if BreastScreen NSW could increase the participation of women in the target age group to 70 per cent, we could save another 30 lives - about 120 lives per year.

Professor Jim Bishop CEO of the Cancer Institute NSW, stated that the key message from the study is that ‘breast screening saves lives, however, only about 52% of NSW women aged between 50 to 69 years are currently having regular breast screening and that is too low. We would like to reach our target of 70% so we can save those extra lives.’

Professor Bishop said ‘Breast screening allows cancers to be detected earlier, thus increasing the chances of cure and longer survival. A mammogram takes only 15 minutes and could save a woman’s life.’

‘The State cancer results show that death rates from breast cancer have reduced by 22% in the last ten years. This is good news and mainly due to screening. Mammography screening can detect breast cancer long before a lump can be felt by a woman or doctor. It can pick up a cancer the size of a grain of rice, and it takes just 15 minutes to be screened’ says Professor Bishop.

In a new media campaign to encourage more women to have a mammogram, the Cancer Institute NSW and BreastScreen NSW, are targeting well, asymptomatic women between the ages of 50-69 years of age in a bid to increase uptake of this free vital service.

Professor Bishop said that research studies indicate that women find it hard to attend during working hours, therefore, during the month of March 2006, BreastScreen NSW will be offering extended screening at selected sites across NSW. Women don’t need a referral, however, they will need to make a booking on 13 20 50.

Breast cancer affects 1 in 9 women and is the most common cause of cancer death for NSW women, accounting for 892 deaths in 2003.BreastScreen NSW is a publicly funded program, evidence based and is free - Let’s increase the numbers and save more lives. BreastScreen NSW is part of BreastScreen Australia, a joint Commonwealth, State and Territory programme. The Cancer Institute NSW assumed responsibility for the screening programme on July 1 2005.

For more information or to make an appointment: 13 20 50