Member for Tarneit, Tim Pallas today released participation statistics for women in the electorate of Tarneit who participate in the free BreastScreen program.

“I am encouraged that 50% of women in Tarneit are having a regular mammogram every two years,” said Mr Pallas.

“This is slightly lower than the state participation rate of 55%, but women need to continue their commitment to screening every two years because finding cancer early saves lives.

“The biggest risk factor for breast cancer is being a woman over 50 years of age. With one in nine women getting the disease, the free mammogram screening program is the best way of finding cancer early before any symptoms are noticed and when treatment is likely to be most successful.”

The Victorian Cancer Registry reported this year that in the three years from 2008 to 2010, there were 1,228 women in the Western Metropolitan Region, including 170 women in Tarneit, diagnosed with breast cancer.

There are 66 screening centres available across Victoria including mobile van sites. Some offer out of hours appointments, including Saturdays and group bookings are available.

Over 225 000 women in Victoria aged 50-69 screen each year. BreastScreen Victoria has a goal target participation rate for Victoria of 70%.

Bookings are required, so call 13 20 50 or go online to www.breastscreen.org.au to get an appointment today.

Media enquiries: Sharny McLean, BreastScreen Victoria 03 8665 4183