The Australian Government is investing $1.3 million to strengthen BreastScreen Australia, helping more women detect breast cancer early and support the national screening program keep pace as new technology and research emerges.
Every year, breast screening helps thousands of Australian women detect breast cancer early, often before symptoms appear, when treatment options and outcomes are better.
Since 1991, BreastScreen Australia has detected more than 140,000 invasive breast cancers in women who had no symptoms, helping save lives through earlier diagnosis and treatment.
A major review of BreastScreen Australia has identified opportunities to build on the program’s success ensuring women continue to benefit from world-class breast cancer screening.
In response to the review, all health ministers have agreed to a national plan for the future of BreastScreen Australia.
As part of the BreastScreen Australia Review, an expert group of clinicians, researchers and consumers also considered how to deliver better services for First Nations women, culturally and linguistically diverse women, and rural and remote women.
Governments have also endorsed a new national strategic framework that will guide improvements to BreastScreen Australia over the next decade.
BreastScreen Australia will continue delivering free screening services as usual and governments will work together to implement these reforms over the coming years. Regular breast screening remains one of the most effective ways to detect cancer early, preventing more challenging treatment and poorer outcomes for women.
Women can find out more about BreastScreen Australia and book a free mammogram.
Read the BreastScreen Australia National Policy and Funding Review.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister White:
“BreastScreen Australia has helped find breast cancer early among thousands of women, ensuring better treatment options and improved health outcomes.
“This review confirms the program remains strong and trusted, while giving us a clear roadmap to make it even better for women across Australia.
“We want more women to benefit from breast screening, regardless of where they live, their cultural background or their circumstances.
“By working together with states and territories, we’re ensuring BreastScreen Australia continues to deliver world-class screening services and embraces new research and technology that can further improve outcomes for women.
“Early detection saves lives, and these reforms will help ensure even more women can access the care and support they need for years to come.”
Quotes attributable to Professor Dorothy Keefe, PSM, CEO of Cancer Australia:
“BreastScreen Australia is Australia’s free national program to help find breast cancers early, before they can be seen or felt. The earlier breast cancer is found, the better the chances of surviving it.
“The focus by governments on BreastScreen Australia reaching more women no matter where they live or their background, moving to personalised risk-stratified screening, and achieving consistency across the country, closely aligns with the Australian Cancer Plan.
“The Australian Cancer Plan is improving cancer outcomes for all Australians, and particularly for those groups whose health outcomes are poorest.”
