Women in Sunbury and surrounding areas will now have better access to lifesaving breast cancer screening with the launch of BreastScreen Victoria’s 40^th fixed clinic.

Minister for Health Jill Hennessy today joined Member for Sunburn, Josh Bull, to celebrate the historic milestone for BreastScreen Victoria and declare its 40^th fixed clinic on Horne Street officially open.

Women from Gisborne, Kyneton and Sunbury over the age of 40 years will be now able to have free two-yearly mammograms at the new clinic.

Having this fixed clinic in town means women from across the district can access BreastScreen services all year-round, and at a time convenient to them.

Nine out of 10 women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history of the disease and finding breast cancer early before any symptoms are noticed, and when treatment is most likely to be successful, gives women the best chance of survival.

In Victoria, breast cancer claims the lives of over 740 women every year. However, the chance of survival continues to improve with the five-year survival rate sitting at 90 per cent.

BreastScreen Victoria now provides services at 40 permanent screening clinics, two mobile screening vans and eight assessment clinics.

In 2014-15, the number of women screened by BreastScreen Victoria was a record 241,122.

This record was made possible through the work of BreastScreen Victoria along with additional funding provided by the government and the willingness of women to be screened.

BreastScreen Victoria has partnered with Lake Imaging at the Sunbury clinic to help reduce the impact of breast cancer in this area.

Women between the age of 50 and 74 can arrange to have a free breast screen by calling 13 20 50 or booking an appointment online. For more information, visit https://www.breastscreen.org.au

Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Jill Hennessy

 “We know that breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women, and we know that early diagnosis is the key to survival.”

“Through services like BreastScreen Victoria, we’re ensuring Victorian women can get access to lifesaving breast cancer screening and cancer treatment, all year-round and at a time convenient to them.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Sunbury Josh Bull

“This new state-of-the-art facility will mean more women in Sunbury and surrounding areas will have access to lifesaving breast cancer screening.”

“As a rapidly growing area, it’s vital that we are investing in and supporting local services like this, so women in Sunbury can get the healthcare they need, closer to home.”