Belinda Ratima, who lives in Te Kūiti, after her first mammogram in the mobile caravan with Priya Prasad (mobile administration) and mammographer Ashleigh Price.
Long time rural general practitioner Elly Kroef and Te Tokanganui-a-Noho peka Māori Women’s Welfare League are urging women to take advantage of upcoming free breast screening opportunities.
Early detection of cancer can make all the difference between life and death, she said, particularly in rural areas and among Māori and Pasifika.
Women aged 45-69 are eligible for free screening every two years. Taking up the challenge for the first time last week was Belinda Ratima of Te Kūiti.
“Women should take the opportunity and be proactive about early detection because it definitely saves lives,” said Kroef, who is based at Te Kūiti Medical Centre.
She is supported in spreading the word by Māori Women’s Welfare League branches in Te Kūiti, Ōtorohanga, Te Awamutu, Kāwhia and Kaiewe.
“We’ve taken on the Tatou Tatou breast screen project to encourage and assist local wahine with registration and screening,” said Dede Downs, one of the faces of a poster campaign encouraging women to contact them for help with the screening process.
As accessibility may be a barrier to rural women, outcomes can be more severe and mortality rates higher.
“It doesn’t take long, it’s not stressful. Do it for the next generation,” said Ratima after her mammogram.
“Rural women are more likely to have their breast cancer more advanced at the time of diagnosis. It’s because of the difficulty in accessing the service, because of travel times,” said Kroef.
“Some of the highest risk groups have the lowest uptake of screening, so we want everyone who is eligible to take up the offer.”
Younger women are not eligible for screening at the mobile unit but regular checks are still encouraged, especially for those with a history of cancer in their families.
“Self-checks are still important, particularly for younger women who are not part of the screening programme,” she said.
“If they have breast lumps they should present to their GPs.”
Breast Screen Midland, one of eight providers contracted to provide services for Breast Screen Aotearoa, has a screening caravan which regularly visits Waikato and King Country.
Screening is free but appointments are required.
