EACH year, more than 15,000 women in Australia will be diagnosed with breast cancer, yet only half of women aged 50-74 have had their regular mammogram in the past two years.
For breast cancers diagnosed and treated in the earliest stages, the five-year survival rate is 98 per cent, a figure BreastScreen NSW is urging women to take on board.
Recent data shows that more than one million women in Australia haven't had their recommended screening mammogram in the past two years, approximately 425,000 in NSW alone. It's a disturbing number for a disease that will claim the lives of 900 NSW women.
BreastScreen NSW ambassador and breast cancer survivor, Kerri Welsh, is encouraging all women aged 50-74 to have a mammogram every two years.
"I kept putting off my mammogram because I was always busy with work. I thought to myself, 'we didn't feel a lump' so I rang to cancel my appointment."
It was Kerri's third cancellation. When the receptionist said they were open late, Kerri decided to book the last appointment available.
Had Kerri not had her mammogram, her story may have been very different. Kerri's cancer was so small, without a mammogram she would never have had the cancer detected until it was at a much more advanced stage.
"If we'd left it much longer I would have had a different story to tell. I lost my breast but I didn't need chemo and I didn't need radiation."
Research shows that one of the main reasons for women putting off their mammograms is a busy work or family schedule. Other barriers include anxiety about the breast screening process and the belief that a family history is the primary risk factor in developing breast cancer.
However, as BreastScreen NSW explains, 9 in 10 women who develop breast cancer do not have a family history.
As for the screening process, the entire appointment only takes 20 minutes and according to comedian and BreastScreen ambassador Jean Kittson, can't be compared to what women put themselves through for fashion and beauty.
"When I first had my mammogram, the first thing I prepared for was pain, because the word on the street was that screening is painful. Or, as the doctors say, 'you may experience some slight discomfort'. Never buy shoes from a doctor. But the truth is, if you do experience some 'discomfort', it is very, very brief and this fleeting discomfort is nothing for a woman who has ever squeezed into little lacy bras, or 6 inch heels, or even Spanx, just for a night out."
And while having a mammogram can be mildly uncomfortable, by sharing the experience with a buddy or group of friends, the two-yearly screening becomes a welcome excuse to catch up over cake.
"Get a gang of friends together and make a day of it every two years. My BSB (breast screen buddy) and I always make sure to have some cake and coffee afterwards," says Jean.
Whether it's your first screen or your tenth, BreastScreen NSW urges all women aged 50 to 74 to take advantage of free mammograms offered by BreastScreen nation wide.
"I've got a saying now," says Kerri Welsh. "If you don't make time, you may never have time. Please go and have a mammogram."
Women should call BreastScreen NSW on 13 20 50 to book an appointment. Visit breastscreen.nsw.gov.au for more information or to find your nearest screening location.
