BreastScreen Queensland Sunshine Coast has taken delivery of a brand-new mobile breast screening van and it’s first stop is Nambour Mill Shopping Village until 26 September 2022.
The van is equipped with a state-of-the-art breast screening machine and is a fresh and more spacious version of the previous model.
Chief Radiographer Shane Judd said: “The machine on board is the same as the ones at Nambour Hospital and all our other BreastScreen sites. Women having a breast screen can be assured of the same high-quality service whether they visit the van or one of our other six locations on the coast.”
The design on the outside of the van has also been updated, but still includes the beautiful artwork by local Aboriginal artist, Yvonne Williams, entitled “Women Gathering”.
The new van has a busy schedule lined up, with the mobile service visiting Birtinya, Forest Glen, Cooroy and Beerwah between now and Christmas.
“Women should book ahead to make sure they can get an appointment at a time that best suits them.” Ms Judd said.
Appointments start at 7.45am and there are Saturday appointments available.
BreastScreen Queensland provides free breast cancer screening for women 40 years and over. No doctor’s referral is required, and appointments take less than 30 minutes. Bookings can be made by calling 13 20 50 or visiting breastscreen.qld.gov.au
THE FACTS:
- 75% of women diagnosed with breast cancer are over 50. Younger women do get breast cancer, but the risk of breast cancer increases dramatically after the age of 50.
- 9 out of 10 women diagnosed with breast cancer have NO family history of the disease. While women with a family history of breast cancer are more at risk, most women diagnosed have no family history of the disease at all.
- A breast screen every two years is the best way to detect breast cancer early, well before you or your doctor can feel anything.