MEDIA STATEMENT: More women urged to screen for breast cancer as new program launches

More women urged to screen for breast cancer as new program launches

• New BreastScreen Queensland strategic plan launched to reduce breast cancer burden.
• The new strategy aims to improve access and increase participation in breast screening for women across the state. 
• The strategy sets an ambitious goal of 60 per cent participation by 2032, compared to the current 51.3 per cent. 

The Crisafulli Government has launched the BreastScreen Queensland Strategic Plan 2025-2032, which is aimed at improving screening rates to reduce the burden of breast cancer across Queensland.  

The BreastScreen Queensland Strategic Plan will focus on four priority areas including service delivery, client experience, workforce and advancing cancer screening through research and innovation.  

The plan also sets an ambitious goal of 60 per cent participation in all women by 2032, compared to the current 51.3 per cent.  

The Crisafulli Government today unveiled a new $1 million mobile screening van in Townsville which will give regional and remote communities easier access to screening services.   

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls said the new van is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, ensuring that women in the most remote locations have the same high-quality screening services as those in the cities.  

“We want to ensure all eligible Queensland women are empowered to participate in having a free breast screen every two years, and that’s why we’re investing in more ways to expand our services,” Minister Nicholls said. 

“The new $1 million mobile screening van will significantly increase our reach into more regional and remote areas.  

“We are also scaling up projects like Sistas Shawl, which provide modesty shawls to help First Nations women feel safe and comfortable during their screening experience. 

“While only 45.9 per cent of First Nations women currently have breast screens every two years, this program has received pleasing feedback for helping make First Nations women feel more relaxed and empowered during a breast screen. 

“This plan shows our commitment to ensuring more Queensland women have access to culturally safe and equitable services, no matter where they live. 

“We know that breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australian women – in Queensland, 29 breast cancers are diagnosed weekly.  

“That’s why we want to ensure that early detection is prioritised, that we have an agile and flexible workforce and the technology needed to deliver the exceptional person-centred care Queenslanders deserve,” Minister Nicholls said. 

For more information about the BreastScreen Queensland Strategic Plan 2025-2032, please visit Strategic plans | Queensland Health. 

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: David McLachlan 0428 716 171

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: 

• Since the beginning of the program in 1991, BreastScreen Queensland has screened more than 1.1 million Queensland women, performed more than 6.1 million screens and diagnosed more than 31,000 breast cancers. 
• Currently operating in more than 260 locations, BreastScreen Queensland performs on average almost 700 screens daily and diagnoses 29 breast cancers each week. 
• The program is planning for significant growth as the number of women eligible to participate in screening is expected to increase from more than 1.3 million in 2024 to more than 1.6 million in 2032.   
• Key investments are already being implemented in 2024–25 to enhance screening services by piloting Women’s Comprehensive Breast Clinics in partnership with Hospital and Health Services (HHSs) and increasing participation rates in partnership with Primary Health Networks and Aboriginal Controlled Health Organisations.
• Additionally, the strategy will explore ways to expand mobile unit visits to more communities and extend trading hours by offering more out-of-hours or weekend appointments.
• Breast screening is free and doesn’t need a doctor’s referral. Appointments are available and can be booked by calling 13 20 50 or online via breastscreen.qld.gov.au