WOMEN living in communities surrounding Dubbo will benefit from the $8.8 million upgrade of the BreastScreen NSW fleet.
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BreastScreen NSW Greater Western has taken delivery of one of the fleet's new state-of-the-art vehicles with screening technology
It will travel to Parkes, Forbes, Tottenham, Tullamore, Trundle, Peak Hill, Narromine, Molong and the Orange Aboriginal Medical Service between July and the end of the 2015.
BreastScreen NSW Greater Western manager Meg O'Brien said the mobile units supported early detection of breast cancer in one in eight women in NSW affected by the disease in their lifetime.
"This is a vital piece of health infrastructure, bringing potentially life-saving cancer screening to women without the need to travel long distances to larger towns and cities," she said.
Ms O'Brien said a woman diagnosed with breast cancer in NSW "has among the highest chances of survival in the world".
"However, we know that early detection is the key to survival," she said.
"These mammograms can detect cancers before they can be seen or felt.
"If detected early, survival from breast cancer can be as high as 97 per cent.
"It is vital for all women aged between 50 and 74 to have a mammogram every two years at a BreastScreen NSW clinic."
The new units feature improved digital mammography equipment and a secure wireless communication system allowing for instant transfer of diagnostic images for analysis by radiologists and breast physicians.
They also have better air-conditioning and wheelchair accessibility.
The Cancer Institute NSW (CINSW) manages the state's breast-screening program, delivered by the screening and assessment services of local health districts
CINSW screening and prevention director Sarah McGill said the mobile units serviced more than 150 towns and cities across the state and clocked up about 50,000 kilometres every two years.
"More than a quarter of all BreastScreen NSW mammograms are delivered from mobile services and more than half of all regional and rural women receive their breast screens in this way," she said.
Eleven units are being made available to the Hunter New England, South West Sydney, Greater Southern, Greater Western, North Sydney Central Coast, Sydney West and Sydney screening and assessment services. Another two mobile units will be available for use across NSW.
The state government provided $8.8 million and the federal government $4.4 million to upgrade the fleet.
To book a free breast screen call 13 20 50.