Only about half the eligible women in City of Melton have taken up the opportunity of free breast screening in the past two years.
BreastScreen Victoria’s (BSV) statistics show that 53 per cent of the eligible women from 50-69 accessed the service in the two years to July – just below the state average of 54 per cent.
Women in 47 of Victoria’s 88 state electorates, including Buninyong (55 per cent), had an above-average number of checks, 33 were below average, and eight were on par with the state average. Kororoit, which includes Ravenhall and Rockbank, and parts of Caroline Springs, Mount Cottrell and Plumpton, recorded a 51 per cent participation rate.
“We know through our research that the majority of women who have not had breast screening every two years are what we call ‘poor prioritisers’,” BSV chief executive Vicki Pridmore said.
“[They are] busy women who haven’t got around to making the appointment. Research suggests women [between 50 and 74] are at most benefit from this program as 75 per cent of women diagnosed are over 50. We encourage these women to book a 10-minute appointment at a time that suits them. We also provide the option of attending clinics that are open outside working hours.”
For more information or to book an appointment, visit breastscreen.org.au or call 13 20 50.
