Mobile Breast Screening Unit Heads To Albany

Mobile Breast Screening Unit Heads To Albany

Women on the North Shore are encouraged to take advantage of BreastScreen Waitemata Northland’s mobile breast screening unit when it heads to Albany this month.

The mobile unit, which will be in the Westfield Albany carpark between January 10 and 14, is part of Brea stScreen Wa itemata Northland’s ongoing efforts to make brea st screening more accessible to women.

“ Brea st cancer is the most common cancer among New Zealand women,” says Moira McLeod, programme manager for Brea stScreen Wa itemata Northland, “Each year more than 2600 women in New Zealand are diagnosed with brea st cancer. Between 90 to 95 per cent of these women have no family history of breast cancer and more than 650 of these women will die from the disease. Early detection could help save the lives of many.”

Women aged 45 to 69 are entitled to a free mammogram every two years. A mammogram is able to detect a cancerous growth as small as 2 mm, which is about the size of a grain of rice. In comparison, when a brea st cancer can be felt, it is on average 2 to 3 cm – the size of a walnut.

The mobile breast screening unit features the latest in digital x-ray and satellite technology, and is designed to ensure maximum comfort, with a reception area, private waiting area, two change rooms and a screening room.

The unit will be located at the Albany Westfield car park (adjacent to No 1 Shoes) between January 10 and 14. For more information or to make an appointment, call 0800 270 200, (09) 484 0200 or email enrolments@BSWN.govt.nz. Free transport is available to and from appointments if required.

Free digital mammograms are also available at Brea stScreen Wa itemata Northland’s permanent Takapuna clinic at 2 Pupuke Rd , Takapuna. The clinic is open six days a week, including Saturday mornings and late nights Monday and Thursdays.

ENDS

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