The opening of a permanent BreastScreen Victoria clinic in Sunbury will undoubtedly save lives, according to a local nurse who underwent a lumpectomy, double mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy after being diagnosed with cancer.
Sunbury’s Geraldine Wilson said the clinic, which will open in Horne Street in March, would lead to more women getting checked more frequently.
As reported by Star Weekly, data released in August revealed that less than 60 per cent of women aged 50 to 69 in the Sunbury and Macedon electorates were tested by BreastScreen Victoria between 2012 and 2014.
The clinic will replace BreastScreen’s mobile screening van, which will leave Sunbury in December.
‘‘This will be far more accessible,’’ Ms Wilson said. ‘‘Having the van come in every now and then is wonderful, but this will be so much better. It will be in front of women … they will drive past and see it, and when they’ve found something irregular they will go in and do something about it.’’
The clinic, which will be managed in partnership with Lake Imaging, will be fully digital and feature the latest breast cancer screening technology.
BreastScreen chief executive Vicki Pridmore said regular tests were the best way to detect cancer early, when treatment was likely to be most successful.
‘‘We’re thrilled to be able to provide this year-round service to the women of the area, who have shown fantastic support through their use of our mobile van,’’ she said.
With 50 per cent of women diagnosed with breast cancer being aged 50 to 69, authorities recommend that women in this age group be tested at least once every two years.
Details: www.breastscreen.org.au
