WIMMERA residents are being urged to take advantage of free breast screenings after new data revealed the region's rates weren't reaching a target set by BreastScreen Victoria.
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BreastScreen Victoria has revealed that about 14 women in the Lowan electorate might have breast cancer without knowing.
Sixty-two per cent of women aged between 50 and 74 in the Lowan electorate were screened between 2016 and 2018. This was above the state average of 54 per cent, but below the 70 per cent target set by BreastScreen Victoria.
BreastScreen Victoria also revealed that 2448 women in the Lowan electorate aged between 50 and 74 did not use the free breast screening service between 2016 and 2018.
Women aged between 50 and 74 are eligible to be screened for free every two years.
Screenings are performed at Horsham's Wimmera Base Hospital and Wimmera Cancer Centre. BreastScreen Victoria also has mobile breast screening buses that visit smaller Wimmera towns.
Wimmera Health Care Group's acting McGrath Breast Care nurse Alison Hicks said one in seven Australian women would be diagnosed with breast cancer by the age of 85.
Mrs Hicks said she wanted to see more people use the free breast screening service.
"It would be great if we could improve the rates. We're doing quite well and are higher than the state participation rate, but we are still missing some ladies who need to be screened," she said.
"There is a lot of awareness of breast cancer, but we certainly can't be complacent especially with screenings."
Mrs Hicks said breast cancer didn't discriminate.
"Women aged between 50 and 74 have been identified as the group most likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer, but anyone can be diagnosed," she said.
"People who are outside that group are still eligible to be screened, but it's worth talking to their GP or health care provider if they have a concern."
Risk factors of breast cancer include age, a previous diagnosis of cancer and family history.
"It's really important to self-examine yourself. If you find any changes to your breasts - colour, lumps or skin texture for instance - give us a call and see your GP. Don't wait for your breast screen to come around if you have symptoms," Mrs Hicks said.
"People can reduce their risk of developing cancer by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, drinking less alcohol, not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight and being active."
Horsham Friends Abreast is a Wimmera-based support network for people who have experienced breast cancer. Mrs Hicks said people could also access support services through the Wimmera Cancer Centre.
She said people could book a breast screen appointment by calling BreastScreen Victoria on 13 20 50 or visiting its website.
Member for Lowan and Shadow Minister for Women Emma Kealy said early detection gave women the best chance of successful treatment and recovery.
"Women in their 40s are also encouraged to talk to their doctor about whether breast screening should be a priority for them. A regular breast screen every two years is the best way to find cancer early," she said.
"I'm calling on the 2448 local women aged between 50 and 74 years who did not have a breast screen from 2016 to 2018 to prioritise a free breast screen every two years."
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