On Australia's Breast Cancer Day, Monday October 26, Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care, Dr Michael Wooldridge is urging women to remember that early detection is still the first line of defence against this disease.

"It is vitally important that women have a free mammogram every two years, at one of the 500 Breastscreen Australia locations around Australia - especially in they are in the high risk age group of 50 to 69 years," Dr Wooldridge said.

"Women can call a free telephone service - 13 20 50 - to book a mammograph at their closest Breastscreen Australia location.

"Recent publicity and media debate may have led some women to believe that there are wonder drugs or vaccines available for breast cancer.

"Nothing could be further from the truth.

"There have been some promising developments in clinical research that may offer greater hope in the future, but the fact is that right now regular breast screening is the only way of improving the prospects for survival and full recovery.

"BreastScreen Australia is reminding Australian women that early detection through vigilance and mammography screening remain the best chance of survival and a full recovery from breast cancer.

"Mammography screening offers a proven chance to detect a breast cancer when it is small as a grain of rice - long before it can be felt as a lump by the woman herself or by her doctor.

"Women of all ages should be vigilant about acting immediately on any unusual breast symptoms they may detect. These can include a breast lump, a thickening of breast tissue, discharge or changes in the nipple or discolouration of the breast skin.

"Any unusual breast symptom or pain should be referred immediately to a doctor.

"Nine out of ten women found to have breast cancer have no prior family history of the disease, so unlike other some cancers family history is a poor indicator of the likelihood of developing a breast cancer.

"It is also important for women to realise that breast cancer does not necessarily lead to mastectomy - particularly when the cancer is detected early.

"The Federal Government has made a commitment of a further $4 million to breast cancer research and treatment, including innovative services such as special nursing care and assistance with access to travel and treatment for breast cancer sufferers in rural and remote regions.

"I urge everyone on Australian Breast Cancer Day to remind their mothers, wives, grandmothers and friends about the importance of early detection and mammography screening every two years - it could save their lives," Dr Wooldridge said.

Phone BreastScreen Australia on freecall 13 20 50 to book a free mammogram.

Breast cancer facts

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women (after skin cancer) and the major cause of cancer death in women, particular those aged 45-64 years.
There were 9,764 newly diagnosed cases and 2,689 deaths related to breast cancer in 1994 (the most recent year for which data is available).
Since screening was established in 1991 there has been a significant increase in the proportion of women in the target age group (50-69) participating in the national breast cancer screening program, from 11% to 44% (data for January 1994-December 1995).

For BreastScreen Australia National spokesperson Dr Margaret Dean
phone Mary Shiers on 0412 108 386

BreastScreen Australia - State and Territory contacts:
ACT - Denise Lamb (w) 02 6205 1547 (mob) 015 483 602
NSW - A/Professor John Boyages (w) 02 9845 6728 (mob) 0418 862 690
NT - Susan Kay (w) 08 8922 5500 (ah) 08 8945 6363
Qld - Jennifer Muller (w) 07 3234 0905 (mob) 0412 541159
SA - Karen Shepherd (w) 08 8300 1802 (mob) 0419 819 670
Tas - Debra Rabe (w) 03 6233 6356 (ah) 036275 0886
Vic - Onella Stagoll (w) 03 9660 6888 (mob) 0418 581 484
WA - Perin Wood (mob) 0417 950 009

Media Contact:
Media contact: Bill Royce, Dr Wooldridge's office (02) 6277 7220 or 0412 137 699