New BreastScreen Clinic at the Royal Hospital for Women improves early detection

Between 3,000 and 5,000 additional women will be able to have a potentially life-saving free mammogram every year, thanks to the newly expanded and refurbished BreastScreen NSW clinic at the Royal Hospital for Women, Randwick.

The clinic was officially opened by the NSW Health Minister Ryan Park on 16 October. It includes more mammography machines, and has been refurbished with uplifting art, comfortable furniture and a designated workspace for clients with a desk and charging stations.

Minister Park said breast cancer is the most common cancer among Australian women, with one in seven women in NSW developing breast cancer in their lifetime.

But if found early, breast cancer is easier to treat and there is an increased chance of survival.

“The good news is that early detection can save lives. A mammogram can detect breast cancer at an early stage, well before any changes in the breast can be felt or noticed,” he said.

“Detecting cancer early means treatment can be started early too – when it can be the most effective.”

Currently because of earlier detection there is a 98 per cent chance of survival of breast cancer five years after diagnosis.

The revamped clinic also includes a quiet room where women can have private discussions with a breast care nurse.

There are approximately 44,000 women between the ages of 50- 74 who live and work in the Randwick, Waverley, Woollahra and Sydney Local Government Areas who are eligible to attend the clinic for a free mammogram.

The BreastScreen NSW (South Eastern Sydney Illawarra) site has completed more than 100,000 mammograms since it opened in 2007.

Mammograms are free, take about 20 minutes, and can be life saving.