Mobile breast screening van to return to Ballina
Ballina MP Don Page MP today welcomed a decision by the North Coast Area Health Service to put the mobile breast screening van back into Ballina and Byron Bay.
“I am very pleased that after lobbying for so long to once again have a mobile breast screening van to enable women in Ballina and Byron Bay to be screened, it will happen,” Mr Page said.
“It is anticipated the mobile van will be in Ballina and Byron Bay next January. Women who have difficulty accessing the fixed screening units at Lismore or Tweed Heads can be screened locally in Ballina and Byron Bay at that time.
“The change of heart by NCAHS follows sustained lobbying by the community, their representatives and a meeting a few weeks ago with NCAHS where Federal Member for Page, Janelle Saffin, myself and local women from Ballina made the case for a return of the mobile breast screening unit to Ballina, Byron Bay and Casino.
“Early detection of breast cancer saves thousands of lives. The mobile breast screening vans will be a big factor in early detection.”
November 5th, 2010 at 5:59 pm
Fantastic to see this back, I only hope that it includes free screening for younger women, as cancer does not decriminate.The mortality rate for younger women with breast cancers is sadly very high. I would love to see workplaces support breastscreen as they do redcross blood donations.
November 6th, 2010 at 7:46 am
Great to hear. No more travel to Lismore for this vital service.