Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in NSW and one in seven women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Regular two-yearly breast screening remains the most effective method of detecting breast cancer in its early stages. Breast cancer survival rates are as high as 98% if detected early.
Breast screening rates were impacted by the COVID–to19 pandemic resulting in patients delaying their regular screen or not screening at all.
- In response to the first wave, BreastScreen NSW temporarily suspended screening services on 27 March 2020, recommencing services by 18 May 2020. In 2020 the number of screens were 16% lower compared to 2019.
- In response to the second wave, BreastScreen NSW progressively suspended services from June 2021, with all services closed from 19 August 2021 and all were operational again by 22 November 2021. There were 25% fewer screens in the January to November period compared to the equivalent period in 2019.
BreastScreen NSW is fully operational and has contacted all women impacted by closures urging them to book in for their routine mammogram.
Research from BreastScreen NSW shows that General Practitioners have a significant influence on a woman’s decision to have a screening mammogram. Although a referral is not required to attend the BreastScreen NSW program, GPs and practice nurses play an important role in providing support and encouragement to patients to participate, as your patient is more likely to have a breast screen if you recommend it to them.
- This Guide (PDF) provides information for GP’s about BreastScreen NSW.
- Encourage your patients to use this free service and book online through our website: book.breastscreen.nsw.gov.au or by calling 13 20 50.
- Free promotional resources for your practice can be ordered from BreastScreen NSW.
- Access the Breast Screening Module within Primary Care Cancer Control Quality Improvement Toolkit to learn more about QI activities that provide a patient centred approach to increase breast screening participation in your practice, while earning CPD points.
A free, 20-minute breast screen could save your patients life.
For more information, please contact your local BreastScreen NSW service on 13 20 50, or view the HealthPathways: Breast Screening Services page.