One of the most important things a woman over 50 can do for her health is to have a mammogram every two years, according to BreastScreen NSW director Debbie Lattimore.
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Ms Lattimore was speaking as the Wagga BreastScreen prepares to move into its new premises in Berry Street.
The former pet store and veterinarian's surgery has had a $1.1 million refit and will be ready for use by May. BreastScreen's move out of current premises in the Calvary Hospital precinct is part of the $431 million redevelopment of the Wagga Health Service.
Ms Lattimore said early detection was vital in the treatment of breast cancer. An estimated one in eight Australian women will develop breast cancer.
"If we find it before you can feel it, then it can be removed before it's done any damage. It minimises the amount of treatment you need," she said.
"It is important for all women to screen, even if there is no breast cancer in the family. Some women think because there is no breast cancer in the family, they don't have to screen. We now know that most women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history."
Ms Lattimore said the BreastScreen facility had been moved into central Wagga to make it more accessible.
"This is a new way BreastScreen is going, more into the CBDs of places, then when women are shopping, they look up, see it and think 'I must make an appointment'. They can pop in to do that or call," she said.
"All women should have a mammogram. It only takes 10 or 15 minutes. We run on time almost all the time, so you can just dash in and dash out.
"The really good thing is we are really visible in our new site. There is parking all around us.
"You can do it in your lunchtime. You just need to call 132050 to book an appointment.
"The new centre is very client-focused. It's bright, it's friendly, it's fresh. I think people are going to find it relaxing and it's not like a hospital environment. That was the goal.
"It's for well women. We ask all well women to have a mammogram every two years and we particularly encourage the aged group from 50 to 74, but you can come from 40.
"It is totally free. If we find something unusual on the mammogram and you might have to come back to an assessment clinic to have further investigations, that's all totally free as well."
Ms Lattimore said BreastScreen centres had the latest in 3D mammogram equipment. Additionally, all of the mammographers are female.
"All of our staff are really passionate about women's health," she said.