“I was very lucky”: Making time for your breast health could save your life

The BreastScreen NSW mobile van is returning to Stanhope Village, 2 Sentry Drive, Stanhope Gardens – Tuesday, 27 April until Friday, 21 May 2021.

Feeling a little uncomfortable for a few seconds is all it takes to save your life – that’s exactly what happened to 52 year old Andrea Gaylard.

The Schofields resident had a mammogram with BreastScreen NSW when its mobile van was at Stanhope Gardens in 2019.

“I had no idea anything was wrong, I couldn’t feel anything and the doctors told me that I may not have felt a lump until five years later if left unchecked,” Andrea said.

“My breast cancer was detected in its early stages and I was able to be treated successfully.

“I received an invitation letter from BreastScreen NSW, saw the van at Stanhope Village and my mother encouraged me to have the screen.

“I promptly made my appointment which ultimately saved my life!”

The married mother of three’s breast cancer treatment finished in 2020 and she now lives a normal, fulfilled, and healthy life.

“I didn’t lose my breast and I continue to take hormone tablets daily to prevent the cancer returning.

“I encourage women 50 years and over to have the scan and receive peace-of-mind that everything is okay.

“I was very lucky and am a breast cancer survivor!”

Book your mammogram today

A mammogram with BreastScreen NSW can detect breast cancer before it can be seen or felt. The earlier a cancer is found, the higher the survival rate.

The BreastScreen NSW mobile van is returning to Stanhope Gardens from Tuesday, 27 April until Friday, 21 May 2021.

It will be located at Stanhope Village, 2 Sentry Drive, Stanhope Gardens and open between 9am-5pm most days. Parking is available onsite.

The free mammogram is performed by a female radiographer, a GP referral is not required and the length of the appointment takes around 20 minutes.

Westmead Breast Cancer Institute Director Associate Professor Nirmala Pathmanathan urges women to take the time and visit the mobile van or a BCI Sunflower Clinic at a MYER store to have this life-saving test.

“Breast cancer is the most common and treatable cancer in women,” A/Prof Pathmanathan said.

“It affects 1 in 7 women and can be successfully treated if detected early.

“If you live in the Stanhope Gardens or surrounding areas, aged between 50-74 years and are due or overdue for your breast screen, visit the mobile van at Stanhope Village during business hours and we can squeeze you in.”

To book your free breast screen today click here or call 13 20 50.

If you require interpreter assistance, please call 13 14 50 during business hours.

You can hear more about breast cancer from Associate Professor Nirmala Pathmanathan in our recent episode of the Western Sydney Health Check podcast here or listen below.