My name is Tameka. This past month, I have had two immediate family members diagnosed with breast cancer. My beautiful mother was diagnosed just days before mother’s day. Despite my family history, I was denied a free mammogram by Breast Screen Victoria, as I’m under 40 years of age.

Younger women have lower survival rates for certain types of breast cancers and yet, we are denied life saving mammograms freely available to Australians over 40.

This is why I am calling on the Victorian Government to expand the eligibility criteria for Breast Screen Victoria's mammogram screening program.

I now have to wait two months for a mammogram appointment and the scan will set me back nearly $300. This is unaffordable for most people and creates an unfair financial barrier for younger Australians on lower incomes.

This decision could save lives by helping locate cancerous lumps before they spread and become harder to treat.

I personally know of three women under 40 who have battled breast cancer. Why then, is it still labeled as an over 40s issue? 

Please join me in calling on BreastScreen Victoria to expand their free breast screenings for Australians under 40. It just could save a life. 

Kindly,

Tameka