BreastScreen Queensland’s Rockhampton Service has launched its new mobile screening unit, already on the road saving lives across Central Queensland and the Central West.
CQ Health Chief Executive Lisa Blackler said the $840,000 custom-fitted truck was designed to comfortably screen about 23 women a day across the region, to as far as Winton.
“The team has named this new unit ‘Magnolia’, signifying luck, female energy and strength, dignity and health, which is very fitting for the service it provides to our women,” she said.
The unit was built by Varley Group in Narangba. It is air-conditioned, and as well as its mammography room, it has a comfortable reception and waiting area, and easy wheelchair access. It replaces the old “Grevillea” mobile unit that served local women well for the past 10 years.
Clinical Director Dr Lea Kleinschmidt said Magnolia contained a Siemens Revelation mammography machine that can detect breast cancer before it can be seen or felt by a woman or her doctor.
“Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australian women, and it’s vital we provide the best access we can to ensure as many locals as possible keep up to date with their screening,” she said.
“Finding breast cancer early means there are more treatment options, and there’s a better chance for the best possible outcome.”
The mobile unit rolls into each location on a two-yearly cycle to give easy access to women where they live and ensure they don’t miss their regular breast screen.
All women over the age of 40 are encouraged to book a free breast screen every two years online at www.breastscreen.qld.gov.au or by phoning 13 20 50.
“Magnolia” will be in Emu Park until 24 October. Next stop is Theodore from 25 October to 1 November, followed by Biloela from 4 November until 20 December, then Moura on 6 January 2025.
In 2025 it will also roll into Springsure, Sapphire, Alpha, Longreach, Winton, Blackall, Tambo, Barcaldine, Capella and Woorabinda, with a visit to Ag-Grow in Emerald in June 2025.