Breast Screening Rates Too Low In Half Of Victoria

New data shows almost half of Victoria is below the statewide average when it comes to having free breast cancer checks.

The BreastScreen Electorate Report Cards, released today, detail the participation rate of women aged 50-69 in the free BreastScreen Victoria program.

In 2012-14, the statewide average participation rate was 54 per cent.

While 47 electorates were above the statewide average, 33 electorates were below the statewide average. Eight electorates were in line with the statewide average.

The electorates with the highest participation rate in the State include:

1. Bellarine 63%
2. Niddrie 61%
3. Bendigo East 60%
4. Essendon 60%
5. Geelong 60%

The electorates with the lowest participation rate in the State include:

1. Prahran 45%
2. Albert Park 46%
3. Melbourne 47%
4. Carrum 49%
5. Dandenong 49%
6. Frankston 49%
7. Preston 49%
8. Richmond 49%

Finding breast cancer early before any symptoms are noticed, and when treatment is most likely to be successful, gives women the best chance of survival.

In 2014-15, the number of Victorian women screened by BreastScreen Victoria was a record 241,122.

BreastScreen Victoria is jointly funded by the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments and provides services at 39 permanent screening clinics, 2 mobile screening vans and 8 assessment clinics. For more information, visit www.breastscreen.org.au

Quotes attributable to Parliamentary Secretary for Health, Mary-Anne Thomas

“A regular breast screen, every two years, is the best way to find cancer early, and we know that early diagnosis is key to survival.”

“This data reminds us that we have more to do to raise awareness of the importance of regular breast screening.”

“I encourage Victorian women, particularly those over the age of 50, to have their breasts screened regularly, and if you’re eligible, it’s free through BreastScreen Victoria.”