It’s a common misconception that only women aged 50 to 74 are entitled to a free mammogram in the fight against breast cancer, Bairnsdale Regional Health Service Breast Cancer Nurse Carolyn Nelson says.
But the reality is that women aged 40 or over who has a family history of breast cancer, and any woman aged over 74, is eligible for a free mammogram every two years through BreastScreen Victoria.
In East Gippsland, these tests are conducted at BRHS’ Medical Imaging unit using a new mammography unit with the latest available diagnostic technology.
Carolyn encouraged women aged between 40 and 50 who have a family history of breast cancer, and all women aged over 74, to have a breast screen.
BreastScreen Victoria only sends reminders to women aged 50 to 74 but Carolyn encouraged women aged between 40 and 50 who have a family history of breast cancer, and all women aged over 74, to make sure they also have a free breast screen.
“Women can ignore (their health needs). We know that men do it, but women do it as well. Some women think once they hit 74 that they won’t get breast cancer now. The mentality is, ‘I don’t have to worry about that now’.
“You can still go through BreastScreen Victoria. They can still get it done every two years. They’re still eligible for a free screen every two years. They just don’t get a reminder. There is quite a cohort of women who are over 74 who are getting breast cancer because they aren’t being screened.”
Carolyn said it’s simple for women to book a breast screening appointment.
“You just have to get online. Go onto BreastScreen Victoria website. They will give you a list of the available places to get screened wherever you are. Then you can book your appointment. It is so easy,” she said.
As a Breast Cancer Nurse, Carolyn said her job is to guide her patients through the diagnostic and treatment process.
“I provide support, knowledge and guidance for patients and advocate for them through appointments with specialists and other healthcare professionals. I guide them through their journey,” Carolyn said.
“Sometimes my patients just need to ring and vent, or discuss their concerns. I encourage that, and I give them my email as well so if they can’t reach me by phone, I’ll always get my emails. It’s really important that women are given the opportunity to have a voice and to do it in a safe space, I can provide that safe space.”
Carolyn, a nurse for 23 years and a breast cancer specialist nurse for 12 months, said most breast cancer-related treatment services are available right here in Gippsland – either at BRHS’ Oncology Unit or at Latrobe Regional Hospital in Traralgon.
Breast screening is just one of the women’s health services available at BRHS via the Ross Street Community Health campus. The Women’s Health Clinic’s specialist nurse is available once a week to educate women on health issues that affect them. They also provide cervical screening.
“This has evolved over the years, with screening now every five years, and women can now choose self-collection to check for the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is a common infection that causes almost all cervical cancers,” she said.
“Prevention is best. If you have not had a cervical screening in the past two years and you are over 25 years old, then you should have a test.”
The Ross Street campus also has a Continence Clinic with specialised support for people who need pessary care and education or a pelvic floor dysfunction such as a prolapse.
- BreastScreen Victoria: https://www.breastscreen.org.au/
