BreastScreen NSW launches new campaign today with Health Minister Jillian Skinner
Announcement posted by KERRI'S STORY 06 May 2016
“If you don’t make time, you may never have time”
"If you don't make time, you may never have time"
Breast cancer survivor urges women to have their mammograms
9am, Friday 6th May 2016
Health Minister Jillian Skinner is today launching a new campaign to encourage women aged 50-74 to have a potentially life-saving mammogram.
The campaign for BreastScreen NSW features the story of Kerri Welsh, who is joining Mrs Skinner to officially launch “Kerri’s Story”. Ms Welsh was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009 after a routine mammogram.
“Like too many women, I had been putting off my mammogram due to work and life commitments,” says Kerri. “I almost cancelled again. I am so thankful every day that I didn’t, as the mammogram showed I had breast cancer.
“I had no symptoms, no lump. I wouldn’t have found it any other way until it was much more advanced. My story could have ended so differently.”
Kerri urges women to make screening a priority, “It’s only 20 minutes out of your life; it’s easy; and it’s free. It’s very important to have a mammogram.”
Speaking of the importance of the BreastScreen NSW program, Mrs Skinner says, “A woman diagnosed today with breast cancer in NSW has among the highest chances of survival in the world. However, we know that early detection is the key to further improving survival.
“Through the BreastScreen NSW program, women across the state have access to a free breast screening service that exists to detect breast cancer as early as possible. Almost all breast cancers found in the earliest stage can be treated successfully.”
Professor David Currow, Chief Cancer Officer and CEO of the Cancer Institute NSW, which manages the BreastScreen NSW program, explained the campaign’s importance.
“Nine hundred women in NSW die of breast cancer each year. That’s more than two women every day. We know that breast cancer screening saves lives. Yet only around half of eligible women, aged 50-74, have their recommended mammogram every two years.”
“It is our hope that by listening to Kerri’s powerful story many of these women will pick up the phone and book their free mammogram.”
BreastScreen NSW offers free mammograms through over 200 screening locations. To find your nearest BreastScreen NSW service, visit breastscreen.nsw.gov.au.
About BreastScreen NSW
BreastScreen NSW is coordinated across the state by the Cancer Institute NSW. It is part of the national BreastScreen Australia program and is jointly funded by the Commonwealth, state and territory governments. The service aims to detect breast cancer early, when treatment is most successful.
In NSW there are over 200 screening locations and all radiographers are female. Breast x-rays are reviewed by at least two specialist doctors. You don’t need a referral from your doctor, just call BreastScreen NSW on 13 20 50 to book a free screening mammogram.
The campaign for BreastScreen NSW features the story of Kerri Welsh, who is joining Mrs Skinner to officially launch “Kerri’s Story”. Ms Welsh was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009 after a routine mammogram.
“Like too many women, I had been putting off my mammogram due to work and life commitments,” says Kerri. “I almost cancelled again. I am so thankful every day that I didn’t, as the mammogram showed I had breast cancer.
“I had no symptoms, no lump. I wouldn’t have found it any other way until it was much more advanced. My story could have ended so differently.”
Kerri urges women to make screening a priority, “It’s only 20 minutes out of your life; it’s easy; and it’s free. It’s very important to have a mammogram.”
Speaking of the importance of the BreastScreen NSW program, Mrs Skinner says, “A woman diagnosed today with breast cancer in NSW has among the highest chances of survival in the world. However, we know that early detection is the key to further improving survival.
“Through the BreastScreen NSW program, women across the state have access to a free breast screening service that exists to detect breast cancer as early as possible. Almost all breast cancers found in the earliest stage can be treated successfully.”
Professor David Currow, Chief Cancer Officer and CEO of the Cancer Institute NSW, which manages the BreastScreen NSW program, explained the campaign’s importance.
“Nine hundred women in NSW die of breast cancer each year. That’s more than two women every day. We know that breast cancer screening saves lives. Yet only around half of eligible women, aged 50-74, have their recommended mammogram every two years.”
“It is our hope that by listening to Kerri’s powerful story many of these women will pick up the phone and book their free mammogram.”
BreastScreen NSW offers free mammograms through over 200 screening locations. To find your nearest BreastScreen NSW service, visit breastscreen.nsw.gov.au.
About BreastScreen NSW
BreastScreen NSW is coordinated across the state by the Cancer Institute NSW. It is part of the national BreastScreen Australia program and is jointly funded by the Commonwealth, state and territory governments. The service aims to detect breast cancer early, when treatment is most successful.
In NSW there are over 200 screening locations and all radiographers are female. Breast x-rays are reviewed by at least two specialist doctors. You don’t need a referral from your doctor, just call BreastScreen NSW on 13 20 50 to book a free screening mammogram.
For media inquiries:
Holysmoke! Agency
Laura Heslop
0407 078 407
laura@holysmokeagency.com
Cancer Institute NSW
Laura Kiely
0415 158 229
Laura.Kiely@cancerinstitute.org.au
- ENDS -