A new permanent BreastScreen NSW clinic has officially opened at East Maitland, providing women in the community with access to free breast screening services all year round.

The new clinic at Stockland Green Hills shopping centre is open five days a week and will deliver vital breast screening services to more than 12,600 women who live and work in the Maitland area.

For women aged 50-74 years, a breast screen every two years is the best way to detect breast cancer early, before it can be seen or felt.

Previously, women in the area relied on the BreastScreen NSW mobile breast screening van, which has visited East Maitland since 1995.

The van will continue to visit the Maitland region and will also expand the service to other communities in the Hunter and New England regions.

BreastScreen NSW services are recommended for women aged 50–74 years. The service is available for women from 40 years.

BreastScreen NSW services are for eligible women with no breast cancer symptoms.

Any woman who has noticed a change in their breasts, like a lump, should see their GP without delay.

Any woman with a family history of breast cancer should discuss their specific needs with their GP.

To book a mammogram with BreastScreen NSW, call 13 20 50 or visit BreastScreen NSW – Online booking.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park

“This permanent clinic will make a huge difference for thousands of women living in the Maitland community, who can now schedule a mammogram five days a week, year-round."

“Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Australian women, with one in seven developing the cancer in their lifetime."

“Early detection is the key with breast cancer, and a mammogram is one of the most important things women between the ages of 50 – 74 can do for their health."

Quotes attributable to Member for Maitland, Jenny Aitchison

“Having survived breast cancer in 2017, I know first-hand the importance of early detection. Not only can it save your life, it can improve your treatment options and decrease the impact on your life."

“It takes just 20 minutes of your time, with no doctor's referral required, and could save your life."

“Having a permanent clinic at Green Hills will allow women in our community to easily attend a mammogram appointment during the week and continue to raise awareness of the importance of breast health."

“We encourage all eligible women to make breast screening a priority. Having a clinic located where women shop, work and relax will enable more women to have this life saving screening."

Quotes attributable to NSW Chief Cancer Officer and CEO of the Cancer Institute NSW, Professor Tracey O'Brien AM

“Ensuring women in regional and remote communities have equitable access to free breast screening is a priority and essential to reducing breast cancer's devastating impact on families and communities."

“I strongly urge all eligible women to not delay and book in a life-saving breast screen when it's due."

Quotes attributable to BreastScreen NSW Hunter New England Manager, Kairsten Marley

“Detecting breast cancer early increases your chance of survival while reducing the likelihood of invasive treatment, such as mastectomy or chemotherapy."

“Around 90 per cent of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history and this is why breast cancer screening is so important for all eligible women."