Free mammograms are available

Free mammograms are available for women aged 50 to 69 at the mobile BreastScreen NSW service which is currently situated at Woy Woy.

The mobile clinic at Chambers Place, near the entry to Woy Woy Oval, would provide free mammograms to women aged 50 to 69 who were due for a two-yearly breast screen and for women over 40 who are at higher risk, according to Member for Gosford Ms Marie Andrews.

"The highest risk age group are women aged 50 to 69, however screening should also be considered by women over 40 who have a strong family history of breast cancer," Ms Andrews said.

Other breast cancer risk factors include having children later in life, limited or no breastfeeding and alcohol consumption.

"It's always recommended that women over 40 who believe they are at a higher risk of breast cancer speak to their GP to discuss detection and screening options," Ms Andrews said.

"The mobile BreastScreen NSW service makes free mammograms more accessible to women in the Central Coast area and across the State.

"Since the Labor Government increased the number of mobile clinics and extended operating hours, the participation rate of women in the screening program has increased by over seven per cent.

"Sadly, one in eight women in NSW will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.

"Early detection through regular screening is the key to survival.

"Today, 97 per cent of women with breast cancer will survive if the cancer is detected early enough and has not spread beyond the breast."

Women who are due for a regular two-year mammogram will receive a reminder letter from BreastScreen NSW.

Screening commenced at Woy Woy on April 28.

Appointments can be made by calling 13 20 50.

Press release, 7 May 2008 Marie Andrews, Member for Gosford