Over 40? Get your free breast screen in Frankston City

More than 40 Frankston women may be unknowingly living with breast cancer.

That’s why, from Monday 5 August - Friday 16 August, the hot pink BreastScreen Victoria van will be in Frankston offering free breast checks to women aged over 50.

BreastScreen Victoria recommends a breast screen every two years for women older than 50, as it is best way to detect cancer early, when treatment is most successful. Those in their forties or over 74 are also eligible but are encouraged to chat to their GP first.

Frankston’s Tracee Hall-Davis knows better than anyone, the importance of regular screenings.

Tracee was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer in June 2017, after her GP reminded her to have a mammogram, which detected two lumps.

“I felt fine and had a normal health check every 12 months but I couldn’t remember the last time I had had a mammogram,” she said.

“I wasn’t self-checking, so I was very lucky my doctor asked the question. I am a lot more vigilant now and I’m really glad I acted on her advice.”

“I was lucky I had a great network of family, friends and work colleagues including my daughters, aged 24 and 29 who supported me through the 15 month process of having chemotherapy, a mastectomy and breast reconstruction”.

“My family were hit harder than me because they felt helpless but I was in control and very matter-of-fact about it. I broke the treatment path down in stages, didn’t get ahead of myself and took it one step at a time. My grandson, Elijah, was born two months before my diagnosis and seeing him every day made me feel better, especially during the grueling first stages of chemotherapy.”

Tracee said on time breast screens were critical and men and women of all ages should perform self-checks regularly, particularly if there was a history of breast cancer in their family.

Two years on from her diagnosis, Tracee is well and enjoying life more than ever.

“I worry less, am a lot calmer and I don’t stress about the little things. I’m getting more out of my life and ticking things off my bucket list.”

The BreastScreen Victoria van travels the state with friendly staff who perform free breast screens and answer questions.

These are always conducted by a female radiographer, no GP referral or Medicare card is needed, and they take 10 minutes. BreastScreen Victoria is a fully accredited part of BreastScreen Australia, and is jointly funded by the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments.

The BreastScreen Victoria van – fitted with the latest technology – will be parked at 81 Young St, Frankston (car park next to Young St Medical and Dental Centre), Monday 5 August - Friday 16 August, 7:50am to 5pm.

Please visit breastscreen.org.au or phone 13 20 50 to book in advance.