A number of BreastScreen NSW services across the state have closed due to COVID-19, however the Nowra, Ulladulla and Shellharbour clinics will remain open for appointments.
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BreastScreen NSW clinics and vans in some LGA's have temporarily closed to reduce the risk posed by the virus, as well as patient cancellations and the need to redeploy staff to aid the pandemic response.
A BreastScreen NSW spokesperson confirmed the BreastScreen offices in Nowra on 33 Berry Street, in Ulladulla on 4/15 Boree Street and Shellharbour in the Stockland Shellharbour Shopping Centre will remain open.
If attending these locations, patients must enter alone unless they require assistance and can only enter if they have an appointment.
The BreastScreen offices in Wollongong on 299 Crown Street and in the David Jones building will be closed until further notice with appointments to be rescheduled for a future date or at another service.
A BreastScreen NSW spokesperson said the organisation recently commissioned modelling to quantify any potential impact of a temporary suspension of screening.
The modelling showed that, provided women went on to screen once the program recommenced, the impact was minimal.
While some BreastScreen services are still open, Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) are concerned NSW could see a drop in diagnoses due to the closures across the state.
Research by BCNA showed that cancer diagnoses dropped by 10 per cent in 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions, which included the temporary closure of BreastScreen Victoria services.
"When a person finds a lump or sees changes in their breast, assessments and tests are key to finding out whether it's benign or whether it's a tumour that could be aggressive and quickly become harder to treat," says Professor Bruce Mann, a surgeon and BCNA board member.
"These assessments need to be done urgently to give women, and men, the best chance of recovery."
BreastScreen NSW and BCNA encourages anyone who has detected changes or lumps in their breasts to not hesitate in contacting their GP.
Appointments for BreastScreen NSW can be made online or by calling 13 20 50.
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Grace Crivellaro
Court reporter for the Illawarra Mercury.
Court reporter for the Illawarra Mercury.
