A new BreastScreen van for West Moreton is bringing welcome relief to women from Gatton in the west to Springfield in the east.

The ‘Wattle’ van was launched by the Assistant Minister for Health and Member for Pine Rivers, Nikki Boyd, at Plainland today.

“I am so pleased that women in rural and regional areas are able to get more of the care they need closer to home,” Ms Boyd said.

“I also love that when the van comes to their area and women see that gorgeous wattle decal, it is a visual reminder to book their next mammogram.”

Having a second BreastScreen van on the road means Booval and Redbank Plains will now have a mobile service and other sites can be visited for an extended time by either the Wattle or Bottlebrush van.

West Moreton Health Chief Executive Kerrie Freeman said the Wattle van will be at Springfield next week.

“Springfield and Plainland are two communities experiencing high population growth and having a second van means we can spend longer in these communities,” Dr Freeman said.

The two vans will visit Plainland, Springfield and Riverlink at North Ipswich twice a year.

Once a year, the vans will visit Booval Fair, Winston Glades shopping centre near Yamanto, Ipswich Hospital and Kambu Ipswich.

Every second year, the vans stop at Boonah, Fernvale, Lowood, Esk, Toogoolawah, Rosewood, Gatton, The Park – Centre for Mental Health at Wacol, Brisbane Women’s Correctional Centre, Redbank and soon Redbank Plains.

Year-round, consumers can be screened at the BreastScreen Queensland – Ipswich Service clinic at the Ipswich Health Plaza.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, second only to lung cancer.

Although BreastScreen Queensland recommends that women aged between 50 and 74 years receive a free breast screen every two years, women over the age of 74 are also welcome to access the service. Although women aged 40 – 49 can also access the BreastScreen program, it does not cater for younger women. Read why here.

Women are advised to make an appointment with their doctor if they notice any changes to their breasts instead of waiting for their next breast screen. Changes to look out for include:

• a new lump or lumpiness in your breasts, especially if it is in only one breast
• a change in the size and shape of your breast
• a change to the nipple such as crusting, an ulcer, redness or the nipple pulled in
• a discharge from your nipple that happens without squeezing the nipple
• a change in the skin of your breast such as redness or dimpling or puckered skin
• a pain that does not go away.

Appointments can be made on 13 20 50, or online at www.breastscreen.qld.gov.au, but are not essential.

To find out more about breast health, visit BreastScreen Queensland.