BreastScreen WA (BSWA) - the State’s breast screening program - will temporarily close from Monday 30 March to protect clients and staff in response to coronavirus (COVID-19).
BreastScreen WA (BSWA) - the State’s breast screening program - will temporarily close from Monday 30 March to protect clients and staff in response to coronavirus (COVID-19).
All breast screening appointments at BSWA’s 15 State-wide clinics including the mobile screening service have been cancelled, and no new bookings can be taken at this time.
BSWA has carefully considered the clinical risks around temporary closure and for clients with no symptoms, the risk of developing breast cancer during this short period is very low.
All clients will be contacted to re-schedule their appointments once it has been established it is safe to re-open.
Any clients who have been called back for additional tests (assessment) by BSWA will receive further information about their appointments.
BSWA’s Medical Director Dr Liz Wylie said: “It has been a difficult but necessary decision to temporarily close because the health and safety of our clients and staff is our priority.
“We want to reassure the community that the closure has been made to safeguard our clients and staff, and to free up capacity in our health care system.
“We ask that West Australian women remain breast aware. If you are concerned about any symptoms or breast changes, please contact your doctor without delay.”
Breast changes include:
- a lump or thickening of the breast
- any change in the nipple including direction or shape
- an unusual nipple discharge
- any skin changes - dimpling, rashes, redness or puckering
- new persistent breast pain.
“We will open again as soon as it is safe to do so. In the meantime, we are sorry for the impact our closure will have on our clients and thank everyone for their patience and understanding at this uncertain and difficult time”, Dr Liz Wylie said.
For more information on breast cancer symptoms and further updates about BreastScreen WA’s response to COVID-19, please visit our website at www.breastscreen.health.wa.gov.au
For more information on Coronavirus (COVID-19) please visit Healthy WA.
Ends
Notes to Editor:
About BreastScreen WA:
BreastScreen WA aims to reduce the impact of a breast cancer diagnosis ensuring the best health outcome through early detection. We invite eligible women aged 50−74 to have a free mammogram every two years as they are the group most at risk of developing the disease. However, all eligible women 40+ may attend.
All breast screens are with a female radiographer, in a friendly and safe environment. They don’t need a doctor’s referral, and it only take 10 minutes.
BreastScreen WA is a service for women with no symptoms. Anyone with breast cancer symptoms or breast changes should contact their doctor without delay.
Further information is available at www.breastscreen.health.wa.gov.au or by calling 13 20 50.
BreastScreen WA is a fully accredited part of BreastScreen Australia, and is jointly funded by the West Australian and Commonwealth Governments.
ENDS
Media Contact: North Metropolitan Health Service 6457 7300.
Dr Liz Wylie, Medical Director, BSWA is available for interview