MP challenges cuts to BreastScreen services in Ballina
Page MP Janelle Saffin wants to hear from Ballina women who have been affected by the end of the mobile BreastScreen service to their town.
Ms Saffin says health services should be making it easier, not harder, for women to have regular breast screening.
“In Australia 12,000 women a year are diagnosed with breast cancer, and there is a 97 per cent survival rate through early detection, so we know early detection saves lives,” she said.
“Access to breast screening services is the key to early detection of breast cancer and I have a deep concern about anything that impedes access to screening services for women.
“The North Coast Area Health Service has cut back to just one BreastScreen mobile unit and that unit is not scheduled to visit Ballina. Instead women are expected to travel to Lismore for screening.
“I have been approached by local breast cancer awareness advocate, Robyn Sparks, and other breast cancer survivors who are concerned that the cuts to this service could mean a lack of early diagnosis for women in Ballina.
“As one of the founders of Lismore BreastScreen, I have long promoted the importance of access to mammogram services for local women and any removal of services is a step backwards.
“I recently spoke in Parliament about the cuts to the mobile service and the broader issue of access to free BreastScreen services.
“I also challenged the recommendation of the recent expert committee report on the BreastScreen Australia program, that women under 45 should no longer have free access to the program.
“While it is true that most women who develop breast cancer are over 50, in NSW in 2003 more than 23 per cent of women diagnosed with breast cancer were 49 and under.
“The American Cancer Society recommends annual mammograms for all women over 40 and we must continue to provide free access to BreastScreen services to women in that age group in Australia.”
Women affected by the loss of BreastScreen services in Ballina can contact Ms Saffin’s office on 66219909 or email Janelle.saffin.mp@aph.gov.au
