BreastScreen Keperra celebrates a decade of service
(Left to Right) Sue Rapp (Radiographer), Manuella Dall (Reception) and client Mrs Jennifer Maude celebrate the 10th birthday of the BreastScreen Keperra Service.
Nearly 40,000 eligible women have taken advantage of free breast cancer screening provided by BreastScreen Queensland’s Keperra service since it opened 10 years ago.
Dr Jane Brazier, Medical Director of BreastScreen Queensland Brisbane Northside Service, said having access to the Keperra service was of great benefit for women who lived in and around the Hills District.
“A breastscreen is the most effective way of detecting breast cancers early, well before they can be seen or felt by a woman or her doctor. Finding breast cancer at an early stage could save a woman’s life.”
Jennnifer Maude started working at the North West Community Health Centre in 2005 when the BreastScreen Service first opened there and was one of their first clients.
“It is lovely to be able to help celebrate the Keperra service’s birthday as I have been coming here for my breastscreens for 10 years,” Mrs Maude said.
“I always have my regular breastscreens because they are just one of those important health checks women need to do and having a local service makes it so convenient.”
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and a timely reminder for eligible women to take advantage of the free BreastScreen Queensland Program.
Breast cancer is still the most common cancer diagnosed among women and more than 75% of women who develop breast cancer are over the age of 50.
BreastScreen Queensland provides free breast cancer screening for women aged 50 – 74 years, as increasing age is the biggest risk factor in developing breast cancer.
Women from the age of 40 are also eligible for a free breastscreen. A doctor’s referral is not necessary and the entire procedure takes less than 30 minutes.
BreastScreen Queensland Keperra Service is located in the North West Community Health Centre, 49 Corrigan Street Keperra.
Appointments can be made by phoning 13 20 50.
Media contact: Doreen Orchard / Nadja Ibrahim, Health Promotion Officers,
BreastScreen Queensland Brisbane Northside Service
Ph. 3049 1436 Email: Nadja.ibrahim@health.qld.gov.au