BreastScreen Bus Brings Lifesaving Checks to the Whitsundays

The BreastScreen Queensland mobile service is visiting Bowen, Proserpine and Cannonvale over the coming months, making free breast screening more accessible for locals. Photo source: Facebook

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Women across the Whitsundays are being encouraged to take advantage of a free and potentially lifesaving health service as the BreastScreen Queensland mobile bus visits the region over the coming months.

Currently stationed in Bowen until Friday, 12th June, the mobile screening service is helping women in rural and regional communities access breast cancer screening closer to home.  

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Following its posting in Bowen, the service will then travel to Proserpine from 15th June to 15th July before arriving in Cannonvale from 16th July to 4th September.

Breast screening appointments are free, take around 20 minutes, and do not require a doctor’s referral. Health professionals say regular screening is one of the most effective ways to detect breast cancer early — often before symptoms appear — significantly improving treatment outcomes and survival rates.

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Women aged 50 to 74 are strongly encouraged to have a breast screen every two years.

Women are advised to see their doctor before making an appointment if they have noticed any changes to their breasts, are aged 40 to 49 or over 75, or if they have had breast cancer within the past five years.

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Health staff say preparing for an appointment is simple. Patients are asked not to wear deodorant or talcum powder on the day, as these products can affect the breast x-rays. Wearing a top with pants or a skirt is recommended so that the patient can remain comfortably dressed during the screening process. Patients are also encouraged to arrive 10 minutes early to complete paperwork and bring their Medicare card if they have one.

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During the appointment, the friendly staff will guide the patient through each step of the process. After completing consent forms and questionnaires, a trained radiographer will explain how the screening works before taking at least two x-rays of each breast. The machine presses the breast between two plates to capture clear images, which can feel uncomfortable but should not be painful. Patients can ask for the procedure to stop at any time if needed.

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Following the appointment, the x-rays are reviewed by specially trained doctors, with most patients receiving their results within four weeks. According to BreastScreen Queensland, around 95 out of every 100 women receive a normal result. About five women out of 100 are asked to return for follow-up tests, although most of these women are ultimately found not to have breast cancer.

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Community members are being encouraged to book an appointment for themselves or support a loved one to do the same.

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Bookings can be made by calling 13 20 50 or online through the BreastScreen Queensland website: https://www.breastscreen.qld.gov.au/make-an-appointment

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