Improving breast cancer screening for local women in the Canterbury Local Government Area.
 

Sydney Local Health District’s BreastScreen team is on a mission to increase breast cancer screening rates among women in the Canterbury Local Government Area. This November, women who attend the BreastScreen NSW Campsie screening site will receive a free umbrella – a small gesture to encourage regular breast health checks. 

Despite Canterbury’s large population of women aged 50 to 74, breast screening participation rates in the area remain below the NSW state average of 52.4%. Women from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds are particularly underrepresented. 

To address this, the BreastScreen team at Sydney Local Health District has partnered with local community champions to spread the word. Chen Ming, a dedicated volunteer and community leader at the Chinese Australian Services Society (CASS), has joined the campaign to encourage participation within her community. As a regular breast screener herself, she understands the critical role early detection plays in treating breast cancer. 

“I don’t want to lose women in our community to breast cancer,” said Chen. 

She wants all women in her community to live healthy, fulfilling lives, and she emphasises that regular check-ups are essential. “When I heard that 1 in 7 women will get breast cancer in their lifetime, I wanted to encourage other women to have a mammogram because finding cancer early saves lives. Healthy life, happy time,” Chen said. 

Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women. Screening is one of the most effective ways to detect early signs of breast cancer, leading to much better treatment outcomes. Early detection is the best way to improve survival, as regular screening mammograms prevent deaths from breast cancer. 

The mammography staff at BreastScreen NSW Sydney Local Health District are female, and the screening rooms are private. While women are required to remove clothing from the waist up, the team accommodates patient needs by offering gowns, modesty shawls, and the option to wear headscarves. Patient modesty is prioritised, and the appointment takes only 20 minutes. 

Make sure the women in your life are taking charge of their breast health. A simple reminder can make all the difference. If you have family members or friends aged 50 to 74, encourage them to keep their breast screenings up to date. And if you're in this age range yourself, take a moment to book your free mammogram with BreastScreen NSW Sydney Local Health District today. It’s quick, easy, does not require a doctor’s referral, and could save your life. Visit book.breastscreen.nsw.gov.au or call 13 20 50. For interpreter assistance, dial 13 14 50. 

 Don’t wait – early detection saves lives.