October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, providing an extra opportunity for GPs to promote early detection.
It is well-established that detecting breast cancer early increases a women’s chance of survival while reducing the likelihood of invasive treatment, such as mastectomy or chemotherapy.
GPs play a vital role in sharing this information with patients, educating them about breast awareness and promoting free screening mammograms for eligible women, as a regular breast screen is one of the most important things women can do for their health.
While all symptom-free women aged 40+ are eligible to participate in the BreastScreen NSW program, breast screening is particularly recommended for women aged 50–74, including trans and gender diverse people. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are recommended to screen from 40 years of age.
Clients don’t need a referral to have a mammogram, but a recommendation from their doctor to have a breast screen is motivating and can make all the difference.
BreastScreen NSW North Coast manages four fixed sites and 28 mobile sites from Tweed Heads to Port Macquarie, with just over 56% of eligible women in this area attending a clinic so far this year.
Women can phone 13 20 50 to book an appointment with BreastScreen or book online and find out more here.
GPs can also check out this fact sheet for more information about how to support their patients.
HealthPathways info:
- Breast screening services
- Username: manchealth
- Password: conn3ct3d
