MORE THAN 4500 local breasts will be screened over the next three months, thanks to a big pink bus which appeared at Curlewis Street on Monday.
Nina, the BreastScreen Victoria mobile screening van, heads to the Mallee every two years and Swan Hill itself boasts a participation rate of 74 per cent, well above the state average of 54 per cent.
In 2014, 2050 local women were screened and this year the aim is 2246.
Although the BreastScreen Victoria target group is women aged between 50 and 74 years, appointments at Nina are strongly suggested for all women aged 40 and over.
Appointments last for around 10 minutes and involves two diagnostic photographs being taken of each compressed breast.
BreastScreen Victoria radiographer Paula Lawrence said the process, while a little uncomfortable, was pain free and mammographic technologist Rosamund Jarvie said she looked forward to just having a chat with the local ladies.
“Women are so appreciative of the services, it’s nice to be able to help country women,” she said.
Nina will stay in Swan Hill until mid-July, when she heads up to Robinvale.
Appointments can’t be made at the van so to make a booking call 13 20 50 or visit breastscreen.org.au, and remember to print your booking form to bring along.
You can find the BreastScreen Victoria mobile screening service at the Curlewis Street car park.
For more stories, pick up a copy of Wednesday’s Guardian (March 23, 2016).
