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Get best chance of survival

STAFFED and supported by Westmead Hospital, the BreastScreen NSW mobile van is providing free mammograms to eligible women at the Lidcombe Shopping Centre for the next two weeks.

A mammogram can detect tiny cancers that cannot be seen or felt, and BreastScreen NSW Sydney West director Associate Professor Nirmala Pathmanathan says it is one of the most important tests for women aged between 50-74 years.
In NSW, one in seven women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime and for women aged over 50, a mammogram is the most effective method of early detection.
“A mammogram every two years takes just 20 minutes and it could save your life,” A/Prof Pathmanathan said.
“Breast cancer screening is so important which is why we are bringing the service to the public – having the van located in a central location in Lidcombe will make it easier for women to book in a screening.
“Detecting breast cancer early increases your chance of survival while reducing the likelihood of invasive treatment, such as mastectomy or chemotherapy.
“Many women believe they aren’t at risk of breast cancer because there’s no family history of the disease, but 90 per cent of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history.
“Life gets busy but we want women to make their health a priority.”
Utilising the latest digital mammography technology the BreastScreen NSW van is in Hastings Street just outside the Lidcombe Shopping Centre until Thursday, March 26.
Year round screening services are also available at clinics at Auburn Hospital and Myer Parramatta.
The service is free and no referral is required, book through BreastScreen NSW on 13 20 50 or breastscreen.nsw.gov.au.