Early detection spares woman chemotherapy after screening finds tiny cancer
A 73-year-old Riverina woman's cancer was caught early enough to avoid chemotherapy and radiation.
Carolyn Hamilton screened for breast cancer every two years for more than 24 years. After her 12th check, a phone call changed everything: further testing found a tiny tumour.
A biopsy confirmed cancer. Hamilton had a lumpectomy and avoided chemo and radiation because the cancer was caught so early.
"If I hadn't screened when I did, it would have developed and I would have been in trouble," she said. NSW screened a record almost 390,000 women last year.
Yet a survey of more than 25,000 BreastScreen clients found more than 40 per cent put off their mammogram because they were too busy, and 17 per cent forgot.
- 24 years
- Years screened
- almost 390,000
- Women screened in NSW
- 40 per cent
- Put off screening
- 17 per cent
- Forgot screening
Why it mattersEarly screening can catch cancer before it spreads, saving lives and sparing patients brutal treatment.
Corroborated bydailyadvertiser.com.au
