Every two years the van travels throughout the North West region, stopping at rural and remote centres for days or weeks at a time. 

BreastScreen Townsville has been parked up at Mount Isa Hospital since June, and travels to Julia Creek next, for one week.

Senior screening radiographer, Jean Venten, has been with BreastScreen for 15 years, travelling from place to place with the mobile screening clinic.

Jean wants women over 40 to book their free appointment by calling 13 20 50.

“We’ve been busy up until now. We seem to have a few gaps coming up, there’s still plenty of room for anyone wanting to come in. 

“We encourage anybody from the age of 40 onward, you can come in on your 40th birthday and have a mammogram if you like," she said.

Jean said screening is still the best method for picking up early cancers in ‘basically well’ women.

“In other words people who come in, don’t know they have a problem, and just want regular checkups,” Jean said.

Women who are concerned they might have a lump already should visit their GP directly for a mammogram and ultrasound, Jean said.

“People who have got a problem, whether it’s a symptom or a concern about their breasts, or a concern about their family history, are best to go and perhaps talk to their doctor and decide what is the best thing for them to begin with,” Jean said.

BreastScreen’s target demographic is women between 50 – 74, however any women over 40 can be screened. 

Younger or older women should consult their GP for advice.