A new permanent BreastScreen NSW clinic has officially opened for appointments in the Blacktown CBD, providing women in the community with access to free breast screening services all year round.
Minister for Health Ryan Park officially opened the new clinic, which will support the nearly 60% of eligible women in Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) who are overdue for their two-yearly breast screen.
The new clinic at Level 1, 2 Warrick Lane is open six days a week and will deliver vital breast screening services to more than 85,000 women who live and work in the Blacktown area.
The clinic is based in the heart of the Blacktown CBD, across from the new Main Street Plaza and a short walk from Westpoint Shopping Centre.
With Blacktown train station only 350 metres away, the clinic is easily accessible by train or bus. For those driving, free three-hour parking is available in the Warrick Lane precinct's multi-level underground car park.
For women aged 50-74 years, a breast screen every two years is the best way to detect breast cancer early, before it can be seen or felt. BreastScreen NSW recommends Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have a mammogram every two years from age 40.
Anyone with breast symptoms should contact their GP or health worker without delay. Any woman with a family history of breast cancer should discuss their specific needs with their GP.
If you are due for a screening or need more information, please visit the BreastScreen NSW website or call 13 20 50 to book an appointment.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health, Ryan Park:
"Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Australian women, with one in seven developing cancer in their lifetime.
"Detecting breast cancer in its earliest stages is key to saving lives and we know a screening mammogram can pick up cancers well before you can feel them.
"Early detection is the key, a breast screen is free, takes 20 minutes and no doctor's referral is required."
Quotes attributable to the Member for Blacktown Stephen Bali:
"This modern breast screening clinic with the latest technology is a game-changer for women in our area.
"Breast screening in Blacktown City is below NSW averages, with only around 40% of eligible women up to date with screening but this new modern facility will allow women to have a quick, convenient and easy to reach location for a potentially life-saving screening."
Quotes attributable to WSLHD Acting Chief Executive, Amanda Larkin:
"I'm so pleased women in the Blacktown community now have access to this live-saving screening in a convenient location.
"The experienced team at the Blacktown BreastScreen are thrilled to have a beautiful new clinic to support women when they come in for their screening appointment."
Quotes attributable to Director, Westmead Breast Cancer Institute, Nirmala Pathmanathan:
"The Blacktown clinic is equipped with state-of-the-art mammography service in a modern, purpose-built space designed with comfort and privacy in mind.
"Featuring the latest technology, private screening rooms and supportive staff, the clinic provides high-quality breast screening in a calm and welcoming environment.
"From advanced imaging to a compassionate approach, every detail has been considered to make your screening experience as smooth and stress-free as possible."
Quotes attributable to NSW Chief Cancer Officer and Cancer Institute NSW Chief Executive Officer Professor Tracey O'Brien AM:
"Every day breast cancer is taking the lives of our mothers, sister, aunties, friends and neighbours. We need to take the threat of this disease seriously and detect cancer early through screening.
"I know how busy life gets and, how easy it is for health checks to get missed but I urge all women living in Blacktown and across NSW to prioritise their health and book in their breast screen today."
