Early detection and screening of breast cancer are some of the key messages community members are trying to spread as Breast Cancer Awareness Month gets under way.
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A display from the Griffith Local Health Advisory Committee (LHAC) which is promoting early detection and screening for breast cancer will be running in the Griffith Base Hospital foyer until October 12.
LHAC chairwoman Margaret King said the program aims to run alongside other breast cancer awareness campaigns planned throughout October, but with more of a lean towards encouraging people to take the first step and organise a screening.
"We wanted our focus to be a little more on the prevention," Mrs King said.
"Breast cancer treatment is most successful when the cancer is still small and has not spread to other parts of the body.
"That's why screening mammograms are so incredibly important."
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The display aims to provide those curious with plenty of information regarding breast cancer treatment and detection with a particular focus of the display will be on providing information to Aboriginal women.
Mrs King said Aboriginal women are under screened for breast cancer and LHAC has decided to focus on encouraging more Aboriginal women to undergo a screening test with the campaign.
Cancer Australia estimates 19,535 Australians will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019 and Mrs King said early detection is a key way to ensure the cancer is caught before it is too late.
"A free screening mammogram is the best way to detect breast cancer early before any symptoms are noticed," Mrs King said.
"We are really lucky to have an on-site screening facility... a lot of regional areas only have access to mobile screening.
"It's 20 minutes every two years and it's as simple as that."
Mammograms are being offered for free on Monday and Wednesday mornings and Tuesday afternoons at the BreastScreen centre on Binya Street.
If you would like to schedule a free mammogram, contact 13 20 50 to organise an appointment.
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