Wednesday 1st February 2017
Leader of The Nationals and Member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh has encouraged women in the Murray Plains Electorate aged over 50 to have a free screening mammogram every two years.
He said 75 per cent of women diagnosed with breast cancer are aged over 50 and regular breast screens are the best way to find breast cancer early and when treatment is most likely to be successful.
“59.1 per cent of women in the Murray Plains Electorate are reported as having a regular breast screen every two years ” Mr Walsh said.
“This is slightly higher than the state participation rate of 52.3 per cent however well below the state target of 70 per cent.
“Whilst I am encouraged that we are above the Victorian average and that so many women in the electorate are participating in this vital program we need to see a much higher participation rate if we are to achieve substantial reductions in mortality from breast cancer.
“This free service can have a substantial impact on women’s lives and the short 10 minute appointment could in fact be life saving ” Mr Walsh said.
Clinics are available across the electorate in Swan Hill Kerang and Echuca.
For more information or to book an appointment you can call 13 20 50 or visit www.breastscreen.org.au
