Let’s take this campaign to the next level
Thank you for signing and sharing this petition - we are well on our way to 30k signatures - please share with your network and keep this urgent matter on the public agenda. help us get there.
And I urge you to write to our leaders on this topic - click here.
The Hon. Greg Hunt MP distributed a media release on 10 September 2021 to celebrate 30 years of BreastScreen. BreastScreen Australia is a joint program of the Australian and state and territory governments. The release highlights what we all know about the value of BreastScreen in early detection of breast cancer and reduction in mortality rates (Breast Screening Australia Monitoring Report 2020).
The release makes no mention of clinic closures statewide in NSW and ACT.
It is estimated that 19,866 women and 164 men in Australia will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021 (Cancer Council). The closure of BreastScreen NSW means there are women (and men) who are none the wiser that they have a ticking time bomb in their chest. A delay in diagnosis, even weeks, WILL have devastating impacts for some women, and their families.
Currently, the only avenue for women without symptoms to access a mammogram in NSW is if you are fortunate enough to have financial and geographic access to a private clinic. Women with symptoms can still access a mammogram, albeit with longer waiting times due to the extra burden imposed on private clinics by the closure of BreastScreen NSW. In 2016, over 50% of all invasive breast cancers in women aged 50-74 were detected through BreastScreen Australia (Breast Screening Australia Monitoring Report 2020). None of these women had symptoms and without timely and affordable access to a screening mammogram, their breast cancer diagnosis would have been delayed.
In recent weeks, our state leaders have unveiled a plan for reopening NSW. We will soon benefit from easing of restrictions and access to hairdressers, pubs, gyms etc. I for one, would rather that the women in my life have access to a mammogram over a haircut.
Just a few hours ago, BreastScreen NSW announced via Facebook that it was working closely with services at each local health district to resume screening as soon as local conditions allow. It has indicated that the reopening of clinics will be gradual and the decision to open each clinic will be made on a case-by-case basis according to the level of risk and operational considerations posed by the COVID-19 Delta strain in the area. This will address some needs, however there will still be delays and there is no timeline for reopening of all clinics.
Join me in an urgent call to action to our politicians. Please keep sharing the petition and use this link above to write to our leaders. We need a clear plan and a timeframe for the full reopening of all BreastScreen NSW clinics before it impacts any more women.
Here’s a link to share https://www.change.org/p/brad-hazzard-reopen-breastscreen-nsw