BreastScreen NSW clinics around the state have been closed due to Covid 19. There is no timeline for when they will reopen.

BreastScreen NSW clinics offer free breast screening for women aged 40+.

‘A screening mammogram is the best way to detect breast cancer early, before any symptoms are noticed. When breast cancer is picked up early, most women will recover and can quickly get back to normal life.’ (BreastScreen NSW).

Between March and May 2020, BreastScreen appointments were cancelled across the country due to the initial Covid outbreak. Between January and June 2020, about 145,000 fewer screening mammograms were conducted compared to 2018. In Victoria, the impact of these closures is evident, with more women presenting with later-stage breast cancer disease.

My breast cancer was picked up following a routine mammogram at a BreastScreen clinic last year. It was my first. I had no signs or symptoms, and no family history. I received my cancer diagnosis on 24 August 2020 at age 41 and 4 weeks pregnant with my second child. It was quite large and aggressive, but it was found early. My specialist did not want to delay surgery, which I had one month later. I can’t help but think about what might have been had BreastScreen clinics been closed this time last year. And I fear for the women who may face my unthinkable thoughts as their reality.

I never intended to share my experience so publicly. But I cannot sit by and do nothing. 

Of all the things we are permitted to do during lockdown, this one must be on the list.

Covid is going to be with us for some time yet. Breast cancer won’t wait. It must be a priority to develop and implement COVIDSafe operating guidelines and procedures to allow breast screening clinics to reopen ASAP.