BREASTSCREEN NSW is relaunching a campaign encouraging women across the Mid North Coast to have a life-saving mammogram.

More than 13,000 women in the Local Health District were screened last year, however the Breast Cancer Doesn’t Wait campaign is being refined to target local government areas with the highest numbers of underscreened women.

According to BreastScreen NSW North Coast Acting Director, Patrick Magee, more than 250 local women are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer this year.

“For women aged 50-74 years, a breast screen every two years is the best way to detect breast cancer early before it can be seen or felt,” he said.

“The message is clear. Put yourself and your health first and make breast screening a priority.”

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, with age the biggest risk factor, not family history.

The broader campaign targets priority populations, including Aboriginal women aged 40-74 years, through the Stay Healthy for You and Your Mob component.

Aboriginal women are recommended to start screening at 40 years.

Evidence shows they are diagnosed with breast cancer at a younger age, have more advanced cancer at diagnosis, and have poorer survival rates compared to the overall female population.

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 breastscreen.nsw.gov.au.