Women in Far North Queensland are set to benefit from significantly improved access to breast cancer screening with the launch of a new public service in Cairns. The long-awaited facility promises to reduce reliance on private providers and cut waiting times for this critical health service.
Expanding Access to Life-Saving Screenings
The new BreastScreen Queensland service will operate from the Cairns North Community Health Centre, providing comprehensive mammography services to women across the region. This strategic expansion addresses growing concerns about accessibility and affordability of breast cancer detection services in northern Queensland.
Queensland Health Minister Shannon Fentiman officially announced the service, emphasizing its importance for early detection. "We know that early detection saves lives," Minister Fentiman stated during the announcement. The service represents a significant step toward addressing healthcare disparities in regional areas.
Addressing Regional Healthcare Gaps
Previously, Cairns residents faced limited options for breast screening, with many women needing to travel considerable distances or face lengthy wait times at private facilities. The new public service directly tackles these challenges by increasing local capacity and reducing financial barriers to access.
The Cairns service will operate alongside existing mobile screening units that travel throughout Far North Queensland, creating a more comprehensive network of breast cancer detection services. This integrated approach ensures women in both urban and remote communities can access timely screenings.
Clinical staff will include specially trained radiographers and nurses who specialize in mammography and breast health. The facility will use state-of-the-art digital mammography equipment, ensuring high-quality imaging results comparable to metropolitan services.
Importance of Regular Screening
Health authorities stress that regular breast screening remains crucial for women aged 50-74, who are encouraged to undergo mammograms every two years. Breast cancer survival rates improve dramatically when detected early, making accessible screening services vital for community health outcomes.
The new Cairns service aligns with national breast cancer screening targets and supports Queensland Health's broader cancer detection strategy. Health officials anticipate the facility will substantially increase screening participation rates across the region.
Women interested in using the new service can contact BreastScreen Queensland directly to schedule appointments. The organization continues to operate its free call center and online booking system to facilitate easy access for all eligible women.
This healthcare initiative represents a significant investment in women's health services for Far North Queensland, potentially serving thousands of women annually and contributing to improved cancer outcomes across the region.
