General News
2 October, 2026
Women in regional rural NSW highest participants of BreastScreen NSW data finds ahead of Breast Cancer Awareness month this October
Record number of women screened for breast cancer in the past year
Almost 390,000 women were screened for breast cancer through BreastScreen NSW in the past year, the highest 12-month period on record.
Women living in regional NSW had the highest screening participation, with 57.8 per cent of eligible women up to date with their two-yearly breast screen, compared with 51.6 per cent across the state.
“It’s encouraging that a record number of women are taking this important step for their health, but we still want more women booking in these critical screenings,” Ryan Park, Minister for Health, said.
“With almost 7,000 women expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer in NSW this year, and more than 1,000 women expected to die from the disease, I encourage every eligible woman to make breast screening a priority,” Mr Park said.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and BreastScreen NSW is urging women who are due for their breast screen to make a booking.
For women aged 50 to 74, a breast screen every two years is the best way to detect breast cancer early, before it can be seen or felt.
A recent survey of more than 25,000 BreastScreen NSW clients found more than 40 per cent of women put off having their mammogram because they were too busy. Another 17 per cent said they delayed screening because they forgot.
The survey also found the overwhelming majority of women had a positive experience with the care and comfort received, rating their overall experience with BreastScreen NSW, from initial contact to receiving their results, as either good or very good.
The BreastScreen NSW “Be A Friend, Tell A Friend” campaign is also encouraging the community to have more conversations about the importance of regular screening, so more women across NSW book this potentially lifesaving appointment.
Breast cancer accounts for 28 per cent of all new cancer diagnosis in women in NSW and 15 per cent of the deaths of women from cancer. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and causes the second most deaths in women across NSW. Age and being female are the biggest risk factors, not a family history of breast cancer.
“This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, let’s be a friend and tell a friend about getting their breasts checked,” Jodie Harrison, Minister for Women, said.
“You could help save a life by spreading the word, because early detection means more treatment options, and a greater chance of survival,” she said.
Women aged 50 to 74 years are recommended to have a breast screen every two years. BreastScreen NSW recommends Aboriginal women start screening at 40 years.
Any woman who has noticed a change in their breasts, like a lump, should see their doctor without delay.
