By XAVIER SMERDON
LESS than half of Wyndham and Hobsons Bay women underwent breast screening in the past 24 months, according to the latest statistics.
The figures released by BreastScreen Victoria show that in Wyndham only 50 per cent of women took advantage of the screens while in Hobsons Bay it was only 44 per cent.
This is below the current statewide participation rate of 53.8 per cent and the target rate of 70 per cent.
Member for Tarneit, Tim Pallas, said women needed to know the risks they were facing by not receiving a scan.
“Being a woman over 50 years of age is the biggest risk factor for breast cancer and therefore a high participation rate among women aged 50 to 69 years in the BreastScreen Victoria program is necessary to ensure substantial reductions in mortality from breast cancer,” he said.
According to BreastScreen Victoria however, the results for both municipalities are fair when compared to other areas, but more needs to be done to raise awareness of the services being offered.
BreastScreen Victoria encouraged women aged 50 to 69, even those who have not had breast symptoms or changes, to take part in a free screening.
Jill Henessy, Member for Altona, said the earlier women take up the free offer the better.
“It is important that women in Wyndham take advantage of this program as regular screening is the best way to ensure early detection and early detection is the key to successful treatment.”
For more information call 13 20 50.
