Opening of breast X-ray unit at Midland

25/11/94

Health Minister Peter Foss today opened a new breast X-ray screening unit at Midland.

The new service, which began taking clients on October 4, offers breast cancer screening to women living in the shires of Swan, Mundaring, Bassendean and Kalamunda.

"Breast cancer is the most common life-threatening cancer in Western Australian women," Mr Foss said.

"Almost 700 women are diagnosed with it each year, and about 200 women die from it.

"Breast X-ray screening enables the early detection of cancer, before a lump can be felt; it improves the likelihood of successful treatment and, in the event of surgery, breast conservation.

"Current medical evidence shows that women aged between 50 and 69 who attend breast screening every two years can reduce their chances of dying by up to 50 per cent.

"The opening of this new unit will enable more women in WA easier access to this potentially life-saving check."

The Women's Cancer Prevention Unit currently co-ordinates mammography screening services in the metropolitan area, in Cannington and Mirrabooka, which complement the country-wide service provided by mobile vans.

Mr Foss said these units set a high standard in mammography screening with results comparable to other services both interstate and overseas.

More fixed units will open in Fremantle, inner city Perth and Joondalup next year, and a mobile van will begin operating in the outer metropolitan areas.

Mr Foss said the State Government was committed to reducing damage caused by  breast cancer, and had allocated $7.5 million for mammography screening in the last Budget, an increase of 105 per cent on last year.  

The Midland unit is located at Shop 14, 27 Old Great Northam Highway, Midland. Appointments can be made by telephoning 323 6969.

Media contact:  Mara Pritchard  [09] 222 9595 / [09] 325 8655