Free breast screening breaks barriers for women's health in Douglas Shire

BUSINESS FEATURE

Jamie Jansen

Journalist

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Belinda Lees with Queensland Governor Jeannette Young. Picture: Breastscreen Queensland Cairns Service

Early detection saves lives. That is the vital message Belinda Lees, from Breastscreen Queensland Cairns Service, is dedicated to spreading amongst women across the Far North.

As a Health Promotion Officer with over six years of experience coordinating the Mobile Breastscreen Service, Ms Lees understands the importance of accessible breast screening.

“Breast cancer is incredibly common, with one in seven women developing breast cancer in their lifetime,” she emphasised.

Recognizing the importance of accessible screening for women in Port Douglas, a significant step was taken in 2021.

While the Mobile Service has been serving the community of Mossman for over two decades, a screening clinic was established directly in Port Douglas itself.

During the period from 11 to 28 July, the Mobile Service will be in full operation in Port Douglas, aiming to provide free breast screening to over 210 women.

Early detection

As some women might be unsure whether to start screening, Ms Lees emphasised that it is important to be aware of a breast screen every two years.

“This is the best way to detect breast cancer in its early stages, well before a woman or her doctor can feel anything of concern,” Ms Lees explained. “Some women are even required to screen annually if there is a family history of breast cancer,” she added.

“Breast screening is particularly important for women aged between 50-74 years, as eighty percent of breast cancer diagnoses are in this age group. The risk of breast cancer increases dramatically after the age of 50.

“Nine out of ten women who are diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history of the disease, making screening vital. The benefits of breast screening include peace of mind and more treatment options and less invasive treatment if breast cancer is detected early.”

Equal access

As a Health Promotion Officer, Ms Lees’ primary focus is ensuring that women from under-screened groups have equitable access to screening services, including First Nations women, culturally and linguistically diverse women, LGBTQI+ women, and women with disabilities.

When asked about her personal motivation to work in the field of breast cancer screening and prevention, she explained that a close friend of hers, now in her 50’s, was diagnosed with breast cancer aged 31, six months after giving birth to her second child.

“Having experienced the daily impact of breast cancer on a loved one I was motivated to work in women’s cancer screening services to try and help educate women on the importance of regular screening.

“A great statement that really gets women thinking is “Please don’t miss having a breast screen, as we’d miss having you around”. The message conveyed is that breast screening is about saving lives and avoiding everything that comes with a late stage cancer diagnosis, including more aggressive forms of treatment.”

The service will be located at the Port Douglas Community Hall, 13-29 Mowbray Street. Women over the age of 40 can call BreastScreen on 132050 or visit the website to book their free appointment. No doctor's referral is needed and interpreter services can be requested if necessary. Women are required to hold a Medicare card and are asked to bring this to their appointment.

The BreastScreen Mobile, affectionately named Desert Rose, was launched in Far North Queensland in 2020. Picture: Breastscreen Queensland Cairns Service

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