Podcast: Behind the Screen

Episode outline: 

In this episode we’re diving into why breast screening matters more than ever. Host Dee Mason is joined by BreastScreen Victoria CEO Rita Butera, State Clinical Director Dr. David Speakman and Consumer Advisory Group Co-Chair Sue Viney. Together, they explore the statistics, myths, barriers and breakthroughs that shape breast screening in Victoria. 

Panellists:

Rita Butera, CEO of BreastScreen Victoria, is a driving force behind the vision of “towards no deaths from breast cancer in Victoria.” In under four years, she has elevated the client experience, championed innovative research, boosted participation to record levels, and led major advancements across the organisation.  

Dr. David Speakman, State Clinical Director at BreastScreen Victoria, is a renowned breast surgeon and Medal of the Order of Australia recipient for his contributions to cancer care. A champion of patient‑centred practice, he emphasises the power of strong, trusting relationships between patients, their families, and the entire treating team to achieve the best outcomes. 

Sue Viney, Co‑chair of the BreastScreen Victoria Consumer Advisory Group, is an experienced consumer advisor with deep expertise in clinical governance and quality improvement. A former Victorian public service executive, she has also supported health and tertiary education services to strengthen people practices. 

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Episode outline:

In this episode, Clinical Director Dr. David Speakman returns and is joined by Catherine Langford, Director Quality and Clinical Care at BreastScreen and Liz Naval, a Consumer Network member currently undergoing breast cancer treatment. In conversation with host Dee Mason, they explore the assessment journey and what happens after a call back - how do clients experience the assessment process and what goes on to create a supportive client environment across the program.  

Panellists:

Dr. David Speakman, State Clinical Director at BreastScreen Victoria, is a renowned breast surgeon and Medal of the Order of Australia recipient for his contributions to cancer care. A champion of patient‑centred practice, he emphasises the power of strong, trusting relationships between patients, their families, and the entire treating team to achieve the best outcomes.

Catherine Langford, Director Quality and Clinical Care at BreastScreen, has extensive experience in clinical leadership, having held roles at the Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne, St Vincent’s Hospital and Eastern Health.  Her expertise spans breast screening programs, specialist clinics, emergency services, teaching clinics, radiology, and administrative oversight. 

Liz Naval, member of the BreastScreen Victoria Consumer Network and currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer. Liz was born in the Philippines and moved to Australia 22 years ago. After receiving the all-clear from BreastScreen Victoria during her first 2 routine checks, she was called back for further tests at her third one last year. Liz shares her experience with the assessment journey and how she is doing now.  

Launching Thursday 5 February 2026

Episode outline: 

In this episode, host Dee Mason explores equitable access to the program by communities that are under screened. In conversation with Bendigo BreastScreen Program Manager Eliza Alford, Disability Consumer Advisory Group member Carmel Locaso and Consumer Network member Cathy Eccles, Dee dives into the importance of social inclusion in breast screening.  

Panellists:

Eliza Alford, Program Manager Bendigo BreastScreen and strong advocate for equitable access to breast screening. Eliza has ample experience working with refugee communities and health services to improve the accessibility to BreastScreen’s life-saving program.  

Cathy Eccles, a regular screener and member of the BreastScreen Victoria Consumer Network, has contributed her voice and presence to photoshoots and the organisation’s Rainbow Tick accreditation. Sharing her lived experience as a trans woman helps to shape a more inclusive and supportive BreastScreen Victoria program.  

Carmel Locaso, a regular screener and member of the BreastScreen Victoria Disability Consumer Advisory Group, is driven by a strong commitment to equity. She joined the DCAG to share her experiences as a woman with disability and ensure that women like her have a voice in the screening process. 

Launching Thursday 12 February 2026

Episode outline: 

Efforts to improve equitable breast screening access in First Nations communities are proving highly successful. Host Dee Mason and Director of Communications and Client Engagement Nicole Laurie discuss the impact of the Beautiful Shawl Project with Aunty Jill Gallagher, Gunditjmara woman and CEO of VACCHO, and Aunty Deb Mellett, Gurindji woman and CEO of Djambana ACCO in Frankston, who are both regular screeners. 

Panellists:

Nicole Laurie, Director of Communications and Community Engagement at BreastScreen Victoria, has quickly distinguished herself as an inspiring leader. In her short tenure, she has been the driving force behind advancing equitable access to the breast screening program, ensuring that more women can benefit from this vital service.  

Aunty Jill Gallagher, is a proud Gunditjmara woman from Western Victoria and has been the CEO of the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) for over 20 years. Jill has been recognised with accolades like the Order of Australia and induction into the Victorian Aboriginal Honour Roll and Victorian Honour Roll of Women.  

Aunty Deb Mellett, CEO of Djambana ACCO in Frankston, is a proud Gurindji woman who lives on Boon Wurrung (Bunurong) Country. In 2025 Aunty Deb was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the Indigenous community of Victoria. Deb is a respected Elder as well as a regular breast screener and breast cancer survivor. 

Launching Thursday 19 February 2026

Episode outline:

In this episode, host Dee Mason speaks with Dr. Helen Frazer, Chief Investigator at BreastScreen Victoria, Chief Operations and Innovation Officer Luke Neill, and Maroondah BreastScreen Program Manager Michelle Giles about the innovative projects shaping the future breast‑screening experience. 

Panellists:

Associate Professor Dr. Helen Frazer, is a leading radiologist, breast cancer clinician, and AI researcher with more than 20 years of frontline experience in breast screening, advanced imaging, and cancer diagnosis. As Chief Investigator at BreastScreen Victoria, she spearheads pioneering research in Deep Learning Artificial Intelligence for breast cancer detection using mammography 

Luke Neill, Chief Operations and Innovation Officer, has played a pivotal role in shaping BreastScreen Victoria’s future since joining the organisation in 2017. He has led the highly ambitious Service Expansion Plan and championed a range of innovations that have transformed the screening experience—making it better for both clients and clinicians alike. 

Michelle Giles, Program Manager BreastScreen Maroondah is involved in the study of 3D mammography. The Hybrid Tomosynthesis trial is a groundbreaking study assessing the potential of 3D screening technology to enhance breast cancer detection accuracy and outcomes. 

Launching Thursday 26 February 2026

Episode outline:

Host Dee Mason sits down with BreastScreen Victoria CEO Rita Butera for a captivating conversation about her aspirations for the program and key priorities to reach the ambitious goal towards no deaths from breast cancer in Victoria. 

Panellists:

Rita Butera, CEO of BreastScreen Victoria, is a driving force behind the vision of “towards no deaths from breast cancer in Victoria.” In under four years, she has elevated the client experience, championed innovative research, boosted participation to record levels, and led major advancements across the organisation.  

Launching Thursday 5 March 2026