There’s growing community concern that Tasmanians living in regional areas will miss out on vital breast cancer screening services.
Shadow Health Minister Rebecca White is worried some towns, including St Marys, will miss out on hosting the BreastScreen Mobile Unit.
“I was alarmed to hear that 29 women in St Marys have been treated for breast cancer in recent times. Early detection is vital for saving lives and with such a high incidence of breast cancer in one community there is a very strong argument for ensuring the Mobile Unit includes St Marys when it travels to the Break O’Day region in March.
“Travel is prohibitive for many Tasmanians and it could mean people put off having a vital check-up.”
The Break O’Day Council’s General Manager, John Brown, shares Ms White’s concerns.
“It is imperative that early detection services such as breast screening be maintained and improved to not only reduce the overall cost on the health system, but most importantly to potentially reduce the impact on the lives of those affected and their families.” Mr Brown said.
“The Council has now raised its concerns regarding the withdrawal of services from the St Marys area with both the Government and Opposition, emphasising the incredible importance of services such as this to the overall health of local communities.”
Michael Ferguson must immediately step in to ensure that women on the East Coast have access to breast screen services, particularly after promising an increase in screening services in July last year.
“Mr Ferguson should stop making excuses and honour his promise to fund increased breast screening activity,” Ms White said.
Rebecca White MP Shadow Health Minister
