THINK you could feel something the size of a grain of rice inside your body?
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You wouldn't be alone if you missed it and that is exactly why every woman aged 40 years or older should make an appointment to visit their local BreastScreen clinic.
Yes, some people have opinions about getting their breasts checked - it could hurt and it's embarrassing often rank at the top of the list.
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"Everyone is an individual and some people will find it embarrassing and uncomfortable, people have a different level of pain tolerance," NSW Central West Breastscreen manager Meg O'Brien said.
"But, 20 minutes every two years is a small price to pay."
Ms O'Brien is the first one to admit cancer is "tricky" and that it can grow and spread quickly for some people, while for others it's a slow process.
The facts are that one in seven women in NSW will develop breast cancer.
"It does it's own thing, but in the majority of people it's slow growing," she said.
"But, the good news is we're picking them up earlier. Cancer isn't always a death sentence if we pick it up early.
"We can detect something as small as a grain of rice that you can't even feel."
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Signs of breast cancer can vary between individuals.
"It could be a lump, or discharge from the nipple, your breast could change size. It's really any change to your breast," Ms O'Brien said.
Women aged from 40 years old are recommended to have regular breast screens, while those aged 50 to 74 years fall into the higher risk group.
It could be a lump, or discharge from the nipple, your breast could change size. It's really any change to your breast.
- BreastScreen manager Meg O'Brien
Checks should be undertaken every two years, unless there is significant family history.
"People are alive today because they had a breast scan," Ms O'Brien said.
The COVID-19 pandemic might have forced the closure of BreastScreen clinics for a few weeks, but since they reopened in April safety protocols have been in place to limit the spread of the virus.
Checks should be undertaken every two years, unless there is significant family history.
"People are alive today because they had a breast scan," Ms O'Brien said.
The COVID-19 pandemic might have forced the closure of BreastScreen clinics for a few weeks, but since they reopened in April safety protocols have been in place to limit the spread of the virus.
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BreastScreen staff are wearing PPE and all clients are screened on the phone prior to booking their appointment.
Nadine Morton
Nadine Morton covers emergency services and breaking news for the Illawarra Mercury. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at nadine.morton@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Nadine Morton covers emergency services and breaking news for the Illawarra Mercury. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at nadine.morton@austcommunitymedia.com.au
