Almost 390,000 women were screened for breast cancer through BreastScreen NSW in the past year, the highest 12-month total on record. But in Northern NSW, 45.2 per cent of eligible women are overdue for their screen.
Women in regional NSW led the state overall, with 57.8 per cent of eligible women up to date with their two-yearly breast screen, compared with 51.6 per cent across the state.
With October marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month, BreastScreen NSW is urging women who are due for a screen to book in.
For women aged 50 to 74, a breast screen every two years is the best way to find breast cancer early, before it can be seen or felt. BreastScreen NSW recommends Aboriginal women start screening at 40.
“If you’re aged 50 to 74, make your breast screen a priority,” said Patrick Magee, Director of BreastScreen NSW’s Northern NSW Screening Assessment Service.
“It’s a simple appointment that only takes 20 minutes, and you don’t need a doctor’s referral.”
But many women are putting it off. A recent survey of more than 25,000 BreastScreen NSW clients found more than 40 per cent delayed their mammogram because they were too busy. Another 17 per cent said they forgot.
The same survey found 98.7 per cent of women rated their experience with BreastScreen NSW, from first contact to getting their results, as good or very good.
“It’s encouraging that a record number of women are taking this important step for their health, but we still want more women booking in these critical screenings,” said Minister for Health Ryan Park.
“With almost 7,000 women expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer in NSW this year, and more than 1,000 women expected to die from the disease, I encourage every eligible woman to make breast screening a priority.”
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in NSW and causes the second most cancer deaths in women. Age and being female are the biggest risk factors, not a family history of breast cancer.
Cassandra Thorburn, who was diagnosed with a rare type of breast cancer in 2026, credits screening with saving her life.
“I owe my life to BreastScreen NSW who discovered I had a stage 3 rare Occult Breast cancer that is under 3 per cent of breast cancer cases in Australia,” Ms Thorburn stated.
The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) is also urging women to talk to their GP about their breast cancer risk and screening options. Women aged 40 and over can choose to start screening through BreastScreen.
Any woman who notices a change in her breasts, such as a lump, a change in shape, dimpled skin, or nipple changes, should see her doctor without delay.
In Lismore, women are invited to a Pink Party at the BreastScreen NSW clinic at 29 Uralba Street on Friday, 16 October, from 10am to 2pm. Women are encouraged to book a mammogram with a friend and wear a touch of pink, with refreshments and giveaways on offer.
Appointments can be booked by calling 13 20 50 or online at breastscreen.nsw.gov.au
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