A health organisation is stressing the need for breast checks as screening numbers decreases during COVID-19.
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Wael Fahmy, business manager for BreastScreen NSW and site manager for Wagga, said they saw a decline in bookings as the coronavirus pandemic hit the regional areas in NSW. The organisation even decided to cancel appointments for people in the high-risk age bracket.
Nationally, figures recently released by Cancer Council have shown a 37 per cent decrease in screening for breast cancer during COVID-19.
"We cover a lot of geographical areas," Mr Fahmy.
"When the area has calmed down in terms of active cases, we see people are a lot more willing to book in for an appointment.
"We are finding now that people are happier to come in for their usual testing now that we have seen a reduction in cases."
Mr Fahmy said it is crucial for people to still get tested regularly, as just taking the 20 minutes can save a life.
"It does not take long at all, you can do it in a lunch break," he said.
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"The earlier a cancer is detected, the better outcomes we see for our clients.
"It is important to keep up the health-checks."
Mr Fahmy said for those who are concerned about COVID-19, the clinic has a multitude of rules in place to keep everyone safe.
"We provide masks, we stick to social distancing, and we have hand sanitiser on arrival," he said.
"We also do temperature checks, and we disinfect all the areas. People do not need to worry because we take it very seriously."
To book an appointment or for more information, please call 13 20 50 or go to the BreastScreen NSW website.