PREMIER LAUNCHES NEW BREASTSCREEN QUEENSLAND CAMPAIGN

Premier Anna Bligh launched a $1.5 million campaign today to increase the number of Queensland women aged between 50 and 69 years having regular screening against breast cancer.

Ms Bligh said the BreastScreen Queensland campaign, featuring prominent Australian broadcaster Jana Wendt, was designed as a critical reminder to busy Queensland women of the importance of having a breast screen every two years.

“Current figures show that just over half (58%) of Queensland women aged 50 to 69 years are having regular breast screens and this is of real concern,” Ms Bligh said.

“I know only too well about the many and varying demands on women’s time – from work, to kids, to households, to life in general – but we need to get the message out there that breast screening is something women have to make time for.

“Women over 50 are most at risk, with 75 percent of breast cancers occurring in women aged between 50 and 69, and this campaign is targeted specifically for them.

“Breast Screening for women over 50 is free-of-charge and we want to see more having regular checks.”

Ms Bligh said Jana was a perfect choice for the three-year campaign.

“We needed someone that Queensland women could trust to deliver them the facts about the importance of breast screening, and research done specifically for this campaign showed that Jana is that person,” Ms Bligh said.

“She has a distinguished career as an investigative journalist and is a credible and authoritative woman, who also falls into the target age group.

“I thank Jana for her involvement and her commitment to helping us take this important health message to Queensland women,” she said.

Health Minister Stephen Robertson said providing women with factual information about breast cancer would motivate more of them to have regular breast screening.

“Breast cancer is the second most common cause of death among Queensland women.

“Approximately 2,200 Queensland women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year, of which about 450 will die.

“Despite significant research, the causes of breast cancer remain unknown and having a breast screen every two years is the best way of detecting any early signs of breast cancer - before it can be seen or felt,” he said.

Mr Robertson said it was important to stress that BreastScreen Queensland clinics are “well’ women clinics.

“If someone discovers a lump or abnormality in their breast they should immediately go to their GP for referral to a diagnostic radiology service, not to a breast screen clinic.

“More women need to heed the message and participate in regular screening every two years.

“It will significantly increase the chances of detecting cancer early and also provide the greatest chance of successful treatment,” he said.

BreastScreen Queensland has provided women with free breast screening since 1991 and provides screening services at more than 200 locations throughout Queensland.

The program provided screening for more than 201,000 Queensland women last year.

Women can phone BreastScreen Queensland on 13 20 50 for an appointment or visit www.breastscreen.qld.gov.au for more information.

Media: 3224 4500 (Premier’s office) or 3234 1190 (Minister Robertson’s office)