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AS PART of the “Pink Up Griffith” campaign during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Amcal Griffith will join the fight by highlighting the message for women to book in a BreastScreen mammogram.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in Australia and the second most common to cause death in women, after lung cancer.
October is the month to highlight and fund-raise the fight against the disease.
The team at Amcal Griffith has joined the cause as part of the city-wide Pink for October promotion encouraging businesses to support the McGrath Foundation.
Pharmacist Leanne Foley said the pharmacy played an important role as a “front line” for health information.
“We have been educating our customers on cancer prevention,” Leanne said.
“Last month we targeted bowel cancer screening awareness, while this month we turn our attention to breast cancer screening.
“We are the most accessible allied health professionals and have a vital role in encouraging our community to have regular mammograms.”
We have been educating our customers on cancer prevention.
- Pharmacist Leanne Foley
A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast that can find changes that are too small to be felt during physical examination.
Women aged between 50 and 74 are invited to undergo free mammograms every two years through the BreastScreen NSW program.
Women aged 40 to 49, and 75 and over, with no symptoms, are also eligible for a free screening mammogram, but do not receive an invitation to attend.
“We encourage all women, particularly between the ages of 50 and 74, to have a mammogram every two years,” Leanne said. “Early detection is one of the most important factors in determining survival and recovery of women from breast cancer.”
A doctor’s referral is not required for a mammogram and women can book on 13 20 50. “Mammograms are free and performed in Griffith at our medical imaging clinic,” Leanne said.
Amcal Griffith will have pamphlets on display in the store throughout the month to inform women and encourage them to book a mammogram, and staff will be dressed in pink.
“We are also inviting everyone to our breast cancer support morning tea on Wednesday, October 11,” Leanne said. “We will have an open line to BreastScreen NSW to take bookings and answer any questions women might have. There will be cupcakes, sandwiches and a “pink pamper hamper” raffle, with sales going towards the McGrath Foundation.”
Some statistics
- 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime
- 9 out of 10 women who develop breast cancer will not have a family history
- It is estimated that 17,730 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in Australia (144 males and 17,586 females) in 2017
- Once detected, the overall five-year survival rate for breast cancer in females is 90 per cent
- If the cancer is limited to the breast, 96 per cent of patients will be alive five years after diagnosis
- There is no proven method of preventing breast cancer, but lowering alcohol consumption and maintaining a healthy weight does lower the risk
- Some people have no symptoms with cancer found during a mammogram or physical exam
- However, symptoms can include: new lumps or thickening in the breast or under the arm; nipple sores; nipple discharge or turning in; skin of the breast dimpling; rash or red swollen breasts. Pain is rare
- Risk factors include: age; family history; a previous diagnosis; a past history of certain on-cancerous breast conditions
