Free breastscreening in Kaukapakapa & Helensville next month

20 February 2012

Free breastscreening appointments on offer in Kaukapakapa and Helensville next month

Women in Kaukapakapa and Helensville are being encouraged to get a free mammogram when BreastScreen Waitemata Northland’s digital mobile screening unit visits their area over the coming weeks.

Moira McLeod, programme manager for BreastScreen Waitemata Northland, says women aged 45 to 69 are entitled to a free mammogram every two years.

“Having a mammogram can save your life. It can detect a cancerous growth as small as 2 mm, which is about the size of a grain of rice. By comparison when a breast cancer can be felt, it is on average 2 to 3 cm – the size of a walnut.”

The new unit will be based at the Kaukapakapa Hall, 947 Kaipara Coast Highway, between March 5 and 9, and at the Helensville Mitre 10 on 41 Mill Rd between March 12 and March 30.

Ms McLeod says the digital screening process is much faster.

“All it takes is 15 minutes – and it could save you or your loved one’s life.”

Women are welcome to visit the unit to find out more about the breastscreening process.

The unit is open Mondays to Fridays from 8.45am to 3.30pm, and on Saturdays from 8.30am to 12.15pm.

For more information or to make an appointment, call 0800 270 200 or txt the word ‘breastscreen’ to 4040. Free transport is available to and from appointments if required.

Free digital mammograms are also available at BreastScreen Waitemata Northland’s fixed clinic at Waitakere Hospital. The clinic is open six days a week, including Saturday mornings and late nights Monday and Wednesday.

ENDS

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