BreastScreenNT is celebrating 25 years of service delivery across the Northern Territory this month.

The joint Northern Territory and Australian Government funded program provides free breast screening for Territory women; helping detect breast cancer before it can be felt or noticed.

Territorian Maureen Hughes is just one of many women whose life was saved because of the program.

The 70-year-old, who has a history of breast cancer in her family, took part in a BreastScreenNT mammogram three years ago. It proved to be a pivotal point in her life, identifying cancer early enough for her to be successfully treated.

About 400 women a year will return for follow up services at one of the BreastScreenNT assessment clinics based in Casuarina or Alice Springs with approximately 10 per cent referred for further treatment.

With permanent screening facilities, BreastScreenNT services are available at Casuarina, Palmerston and in Alice Springs throughout different months of the year.

Remote Territory women are also able to access free mammograms, through ‘Millie’ the bright pink bus which travels from community to community servicing all women.

The Territory Labor Government is making life saving improvements to Millie through the installation of updated technology, with her return to the road expected in early 2020.

Since 1994, BreastScreenNT has taken over 478,000 images, screened over 110,000 women and diagnosed 652 breast cancers.

BreastScreenNT will be holding various celebrations for its 25th anniversary during Breast Cancer Awareness month.

Quotes from the Minister for Health, Natasha Fyles:

“The Territory Labor Government is providing services like BreastScreen NT, ensuring Territorians, no matter where they live, have access to high quality health services.

“So many of us have been touched by cancer and early detection is the best way to beat this awful disease.

“In our busy lives it’s important we take time to look after ourselves and our health – don’t hesitate to make that appointment or visit the clinic.”

Quotes from Maureen Hughes:

“Early detection makes all the difference, it saves lives – don’t put it off.”

Media Contact: Cameron Angus 0404 021 192