The North Coast of NSW once again has its own BreastScreen NSW mobile screening bus, replacing the region’s mobile service which was damaged during the February 2022 flood emergency.

NSW Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park said the replacement bus, complete with specially commissioned Aboriginal artwork, is providing communities across the North Coast with a full schedule of mobile screening visits.

“Since February 2022, other BreastScreen NSW services have generously lent their vans to the North Coast BreastScreen service ensuring the community has had ongoing access to the service whilst they continued to recover from the devastating floods,” Mr Park said.

“While the fixed clinics in Tweed Heads, Lismore, Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie have always maintained operation, this was a wonderful interim measure which allowed staff to continue providing a limited level of mobile screening to more remote communities.

"I’m so pleased to see this vital service has now returned to full capacity with the delivery of this new bus.

“We know mammograms are the best way to detect breast cancer early – before it can be seen or felt.

“Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and getting a mammogram is one of the most important things women can do for their health.”

Director of BreastScreen NSW North Coast, Jane Walsh, said the bus will be a welcome addition for the local community.

“It was a priority for us to continue bringing mobile screening services to as many women as possible across the North Coast in the wake of the floods,” Ms Walsh said.

“Our mobile screening services have proven to be extremely well-attended, so we’re very pleased to be able to return to a full schedule of visits with this bus.”

The bus is the first in NSW to feature the incredible artwork of proud Kamilaroi and Jerrinja woman, Jasmine Sarin.

Ms Sarin’s ‘Biyani’ artwork was commissioned specifically for BreastScreen NSW, with the name ‘Biyani’ being a Dharawal word to describe a curative operation performed by women to cure illness in other women.

“This artwork reflects the journey all women are on, as some become mothers, aunties, grandmothers, sisters,” Ms Sarin said.

“The artwork also shows the services and centres that are there to provide screening, treatment and information about breast cancer.

“There is so much support and knowledge sharing and it’s up to each one of us to look after our women.”

All women aged 50 years and over are encouraged to receive a breast screen as part of their regular health checks, as early detection saves lives.

Screening is free and an appointment takes just 20 minutes.

To book, call 13 20 50 or visit Breast Screen NSW.