To mark the beginning of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Albanese Labor Government is celebrating an increase in breast cancer screening rates.
The latest statistics from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare show an extra 80,129 women aged 50 to 74 had a potentially lifesaving mammogram in 2022-23.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an opportunity to draw attention to a cancer which impacts one in seven Australian women as well as their family, friends and community.
Free mammograms are available every two years to all eligible women aged 40 and over through BreastScreen Australia, with women aged 50 to 74 actively invited by state and territory programs. Age is the biggest risk factor for developing breast cancer with roughly 80 per cent of all breast cancers diagnosed in women aged 50 and over.
To continue this success and save more lives, the Albanese Labor Government is encouraging more women to make their appointments and get screened. Everyone should check their breasts for changes and lumps regularly, and if concerned, book an appointment with their doctor who can provide care and treatment options.
BreastScreen Australia provides free mammograms in more than 750 locations nationally. This includes more than 37 mobile vehicles which travel to regional, rural and remote areas to ensure women in these communities can access life-saving mammograms. Mammograms can be booked by phoning BreastScreen Australia on 13 20 50.
Support is available for people diagnosed with breast cancer through organisations including Breast Cancer Network Australia, the McGrath Foundation and Cancer Council.
The BreastScreen Australia review is currently underway to consider new evidence, with the aim to support consistency in service delivery and increase program participation across Australia. A final report and recommendations are expected by the end of 2024.
Read the AIHW's annual 2024 BreastScreen Australia monitoring report online.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister Ged Kearney MP:
"It's pleasing that this Breast Cancer Awareness Month we are seeing more women return to breast screening. We know cancer screening saves lives, so it is so important women take the opportunity to have their free breast screening.
"Breast cancer will impact one in seven Australian women, and your chances of surviving are much higher when diagnosed early. So, please, check you are up to date with your breast cancer screening, and if not, book a free appointment today"
"Only two in five First Nations women are up to date with screening compared to half of non-Indigenous women. The Albanese Labor Government is committed to closing this gap."
