Tara Murray
More than 4700 women in St Albans who were eligible for a breast screen between 2017-19 did not take up the offer, according to latest figures.
BreastScreen Victoria is hoping the opening of a new clinic on Hampshire Road, Sunshine will encourage more women to get their breasts checked.
Eligible Victorians aged 50−74 can have a free mammogram every two years. Breast screening can find cancer the size of a grain of rice, and is the best way to detect breast cancer early when treatment is most likely to be successful.
The participation rate for the program in the St Albans electorate is 52.8 per cent, just below the state average of 53.8 per cent.
BreastScreen Victoria chief executive Terri Smith and St Albans MP Natalie Suleyman opened the new clinic last week.
“If you live in and around Sunshine and are overdue for your free breast screen, book an appointment at our new clinic for this important check,” Ms Smith said.
“Our wonderful staff look forward to welcoming you, and making your breast screen as comfortable as possible.
“If you’re aged 50 or over with no breast cancer symptoms, a regular breast screen is an important way to look after your health.”
Ms Suleyman also encouraged women aged 50 to 74 to undergo regular screening for breast cancer.
