Local women aged 40 or over can access the free screening mammography service in Geraldton from February 12 to March 1.

BreastScreen WA’s mobile service will be located at the Geraldton Regional Hospital carpark off Milford Street from next week.

According to research, having a screening mammogram (breast x-ray) every two years significantly increases the chance of a woman surviving breast cancer and reduces the amount of treatment required.

More than 75 per cent of breast cancers occur in women over the age of 50 and research shows that screening is most effective for this age group.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Ian Carpenter, urged women to take advantage of the free service.

“We are privileged to have this extremely important service visit Geraldton,” he said.

“Statistics show that screening mammograms may detect up to 90 per cent of breast cancers so we would encourage local woman to use the visiting service.”

Early detection is your best protection. Ring 13 20 50 to make an appointment.

For more information about the free screening visit www.breastscreen.health.wa.gov.au