Health Minister cuts the ribbon at new Mandurah breast screening centre

The new clinic would substitute the existing mobile breast scanning centre, and would become Western Australia’s 11^th local BreastScreen clinic.

Mr Day said despite having increased in the recent years, WA’s screening rates fell short of the national target.

“We have to do better with breast screening,” he said.

But he hoped the new permanent clinic would encourage more women to get checked.

“This clinic will undoubtedly play a vital role in assisting our state in increasing screening rates for breast cancer,” he said.

“I do hope the opening of this clinic will encourage women to book an appointment at BreastScreen WA whether it be their first screening or a routine follow up.”   

He also spoke about the vital importance of early detection, and bringing facilities closer to home.

“One women in eight will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, that is why the new BreastScreen WA in Mandurah here really is important,” he said.

“It’s another positive step in the fight for early cancer detection.”

Mr Day also used the opportunity to announce the commitment by the State Government of $1.1 million per year towards the clinic’s operations, as well as a new $296,000 awareness campaign to help increase screening rates.

“We still have quite a bit of work to do to increase the awareness of BreastScreen WA’s offer of free screenings for women over the age of 40 and with no breast cancer symptoms every two years.”

The establishment of the new clinic would also enable the old mobile centre to travel to other regional areas and increase the number of screening services in areas like Busselton and Geraldton. 

Local members Andrew Hastie, David Templeman and Kim Hames, City of Mandurah Mayor Marina Vergone and representatives from BreastScreen WA also attended the event.

Mandurah elder Ivy Bennell gave the welcome to the country and talked about the importance of breasts in Aboriginal culture in Noongar language.