A potentially life-saving cancer screening test has been put on hold in Bowral.
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BreastScreen NSW has closed several screening sites as the Covid-19 pandemic spreads across the state.
Despite not being a part of the greater Sydney lockdown, Bowral BreastScreen has temporarily closed and has left women across Wingecarribee and Goulburn with next to zero options to access the early detection scan.
BreastScreen in Wollongong and Shellharbour remain open despite being a part of the greater Sydney lockdown.
BreastScreen NSW services are operated by Local Health Districts.
A BreastScreen NSW spokesperson said that the closure was in response to the increased risk posed by the COVID-19 Delta strain, as well as significant cancellations and a need to redeploy staff to support the pandemic response.
"Local Health Districts have made the decision to close individual screening services as necessary," they said.
"Follow up assessment clinics have not been impacted.
"All booked clients will be contacted to rebook at another service or on a future date.
"BreastScreen NSW would like to reassure women that the short-term suspension of screening services will be monitored closely.
"As always, we encourage women to remain breast aware and see their GP if they experience any symptoms."
BreastScreen NSW said that well women between 50 - 74 with zero cancer symptoms were invited to a population-based screening program.
"BreastScreen NSW recently commissioned modelling to quantify any potential impact of a temporary suspension of screening," the spokesperson said.
"The modelling showed that provided women went on to screen once the program recommenced, the impact was minimal.
"Women experiencing breast symptoms should see their GP without delay to get a referral for diagnostic testing, which is the nationally recommended pathway for symptomatic women."
Currently, there are three locations where women can book in for a mammogram. You can book here.
- Crookwell Showground mobile breast screen between August 16 - September 3
- Queanbeyan, Riverside Plaza, Suite 106, 131 Monaro Street
- Nowra Standish Medical Centre, 33 Berry Street
According to data from 2020, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, while figures from the Breast Cancer Network Australia show that 19,998 women and 170 men will be diagnosed with a form of breast cancer.
Regular mammograms for women over the age of 50 and self-checks for both women and men can help save lives.
How to self check at home according to the Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA):
- Become familiar with the normal look and feel of your breasts.
- Check all parts of your breast, your armpits and up to your collarbone with the palm of your hand.
- Be aware of any changes that are different for you.
Signs and Symptoms:
- A new lump in your breast or underarm
- Irritation or dimpling of your breast skin
- Any change in the size or the shape of your breast
- Pain in any area of your breast
Remember, see a doctor straight away if you notice or feel any changes to your breast tissue, underarms or collarbone.
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Vera Demertzis
Journalist at the Southern Highland News covering council yarns and community news. Got a tip or a story to tell? Email vera.demertzis@southernhighlandnews.com.au or call on 0427 250 908.
Journalist at the Southern Highland News covering council yarns and community news. Got a tip or a story to tell? Email vera.demertzis@southernhighlandnews.com.au or call on 0427 250 908.
