In a first for the North Coast, women will be able to have both their breast and cervical screenings done in a single visit, thanks to a Mid North Coast Local Health District (MNCLHD) and BreastScreen NSW partnership.
The Cervical Screening Collaborative is an initiative of MNCLHD’s Women’s Health team, ensuring women have access to timely, effective screening with nursing support throughout the process.
Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, with more than 70 per cent of cases occurring in people who have never been screened or are overdue for their cervical screening.
A Cervical Screening Test every five years is recommended for eligible people aged 25 to 74 who have ever been sexually active. A quick and simple procedure, the test looks for a common infection called human papillomavirus (HPV) which causes almost all cervical cancers.
Under the pilot project, women will be offered a cervical screening appointment at the time of booking their routine breast screening with BreastScreen NSW, allowing them to opt in to the cervical screening. The first monthly clinic was held in Port Macquarie with the aim to offer the dual screening service at Coffs Harbour, Lismore, and Tweed Heads in the future.
For women aged 50-74, a breast screening every two years is still the best way to detect breast cancer early, before it can be seen or felt. Aboriginal women are recommended to start screening at 40 years of age.
Any woman who has noticed a change in their breasts, like a lump, should see their doctor without delay.
For more information and to make an appointment at a local BreastScreen NSW clinic or mobile van, call 13 20 50 or book online at www.breastscreen.nsw.gov.au.
Saving lives
Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park said ‘Breast and cervical screening can save lives, and I urge all eligible people to get screened when they’re due. This pilot provides a seamless experience where women can choose to attend both breast and cervical screening services at the same time.’
NSW Minister for Women, Jodie Harrison, said ‘Many women have busy lives and often put off important health checks. I encourage all eligible women to make the most of this innovative service and book in for the screenings that could save their life.
‘The integration of these services means they can get both of these important checks done at the same time. It’ll help increase cervical screening rates on the Mid North Coast, ensuring early detection and better health outcomes for women.’
Minister for the North Coast, Janelle Saffin said, ‘Offering a combination of screenings for breast cancer and cervical cancer is a progressive win for women’s health in Lismore, Tweed Heads and Coffs Harbour.
‘Every woman knows these health checks can be a bit uncomfortable, but they are absolutely necessary. Being able to opt in for this dual screening service is convenient and increases the chances of early detection, potentially saving more women’s lives.’
Fantastic service for busy women
Professor Tracey O’Brien AM, Chief Cancer Officer and Chief Executive Cancer Institute NSW said, ‘As a working mother I know how busy life gets so it’s fantastic that we can provide a service that makes it easier for women to prioritise their health and get their cervical and breast screening in one location.
‘The self-collection option to the Cervical Screening Test is now giving people a choice on how to do the test, helping break down barriers and encouraging people to take advantage of life-saving screening.’
MNCLHD Women’s Health Clinical Nurse Consultant Renee Bell said, ‘We know that time is precious and providing women with the opportunity to fulfil two commitments to their health at one location is both convenient and beneficial.
‘Our Women’s Health team is excited to be able to offer this timely screening process to the women of the Mid North Coast.’
