Mobile Breast Screen Vans Another Casualty Of NSW Labor Government

04 March 2009

“Despite the North Coast having one of the highest rates of cancer in NSW and an ageing population, the Labor Government is reducing access to preventative measures such as mammograms,” Member for Ballina, Don Page said today.

“I am appalled that the mobile breast screen vans that were regularly visiting Ballina and Byron Bay have been discontinued,” Mr Page said.

“The advice I have is that due to the installation of a fixed unit at Tweed Hospital and an existing unit at Lismore Base Hospital, Ballina and Byron Bay residents are now expected to travel to either destination for a mammogram.”

The mobile van was visiting Ballina and Byron Bay on an annual basis prior to June 2008.

“Many women are unable to drive from Ballina or Byron Bay to Lismore or Tweed Heads and there is little or no available public transport,” he said.

“Denying women access to breast screening will cost some people their lives,” he said.

“If the cancer is found while still localised to the breast women have a 97% chance of surviving another five years and many will make a full recovery,” Mr Page said.

One in nine NSW women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime with only about 60% of women having their disease localised at diagnosis.

“This NSW Labor Government is reducing health services in regional areas at a frightening rate,” Mr Page said.

There is now only one van to service the area between Port Macquarie and Tweed Heads.

“Regional and rural areas are seeing a reduction in health care services under this State Labor Government,” he said.

“The loss of this important cancer detection service will result in fewer women accessing mammograms.  It is widely acknowledged by health professionals that early detection is the key to successful outcomes in the diagnosis of cancer.  Why, then, is the NSW Labor Government allowing facilities to provide early detection to be removed?”

“Surely, when it comes to such a widespread, life threatening disease, regional and rural women have a right to the same access to early detection measures as their city counterparts,” Mr Page said.