BreastScreen Victoria has released new participation data today, showing an encouraging increase in the program's participation rate – with the state-wide participation rate rising to 51.9% in the two-year program period from 2022-2024.
In the 2023-24 financial year, a record number of 282,878 breast screens were performed, marking a significant milestone in the commitment to the early detection of breast cancer. With strong participation and growing awareness, BreastScreen Victoria is on track to meet and exceed this achievement again in the current financial year.
This new data highlights steady progress toward delivering breast screening services to an additional 36,000 eligible Victorians every year by 2026.
This new data comes as BreastScreen Victoria is preparing their 8th stall at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show from 26 to 30 March, where they will have important conversations about the program and encourage people to book a free breast screen.
Over 100,000 visitors typically attend the show’s 5 days to admire the elaborate floral displays, explore the landscaped gardens, and shop at the gallery precinct. At last year's event, BreastScreen Victoria scheduled nearly 200 screening appointments, with approximately 46% of clients being first-time screeners.
BreastScreen Victoria CEO Rita Butera says, “The increasing participation rates across Victoria is encouraging. We want to maintain this momentum and ensure that everyone due for a breast screen makes an appointment without delay.”
Rita continues, “Our attendance at the Melbourne Flower and Garden Show presents a wonderful opportunity for people due to have a breast screen to visit our stall and engage with our team to address any questions or concerns they may have.”
BreastScreen Victoria has a range of information about the breast screening program, including eligibility, what to expect at a breast screen appointment and common questions, at: https://www.breastscreen.org.au/resources/community/
To book a free, 10-minute breast screen appointment, call 13 20 50 or visit breastscreen.org.au.