PEOPLE and places throughout the Latrobe Valley will be splashed with pink this month, a reminder for women to get their breasts checked.
October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, aimed at advocating awareness as well as showing support for women and families affected by breast cancer.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Australian women, with one in nine diagnosed before the age of 85.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month originated in the United States in the 1980s and is now an internationally recognised month for breast cancer awareness.
During October, Australia’s main breast cancer organisations – Breast Cancer Network Australia, McGrath Foundation, National Breast Cancer Foundation and Cancer Australia – will hold events to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer. This month aims to highlight the dedicated and on-going medical research that is helping to advance the knowledge and understanding of the disease and provide improvements in detection, treatments, patient care and health outcomes for those diagnosed with breast cancer. Regional Imaging Gippsland clinics will support the cause and turn pink, making a $10 donation to the McGrath Foundation for every diagnostic mammogram performed.
Regional Imaging Gippsland regional manager Stephen Jones said they expected to complete up to 150 mammograms across the month.
The funds raised will help place additional McGrath Foundation breast care nurses in communities right across Australia and to increase breast awareness in young women.
Regional Imaging Gippsland provides a diagnostic mammography service at Latrobe Regional Hospital, Traralgon, and West Gippsland Hospital, Warragul.
A doctor’s referral for a diagnostic mammogram is necessary and appointments can be made by phoning 1800 888 669.
