IT COULD be the best picture you ever have taken of your breasts, and it could be the one that saves your life!

And this September, the BreastScreen Queensland Sunshine Coast bus will be parking up along the eastern edge of Jack Morgan Park and offering FREE breast screenings.

From September 23 to October 2, the bus will be located in the centrally located Jack Morgan Park, Coolum –  just near the Coolum Civic Centre and the free breast screening services via the bus make it easier for women to access this potentially lifesaving service.

Health Promotion Officer Kelly Hart said BreastScreen Queensland first took its mobile screening service to Jack Morgan Park in 2024, where it received great support from the community.

“We had a great response when we visited Coolum in 2024, with 237 women attending the site for a breast screen,” Ms Hart said.

“This means many of those women will be due for their next routine breast screen and can expect to receive an invitation from BreastScreen Queensland to make another appointment.

“Importantly, any woman who is due for her breast screen is welcome to book an appointment at the Coolum mobile service, regardless of where she had her previous screen.”

Women aged 50 – 74 are encouraged to have a breast screen every two years, as studies show this age group benefits most from regular screening.  

“Appointments are really quick, generally around 20 minutes, and you don’t need a doctor’s referral,” Ms Hart said.

A breast screen can find very small cancers that can’t be seen or felt by a woman or her doctor.

“Finding breast cancer early can make all the difference.

“Early detection gives women more options for treatment and a greater chance of successful recovery.”

Sunshine Coast women can also access free breast screening year-round at BreastScreen Services in Caloundra, Maroochydore, Nambour and Noosaville.

To book an appointment at the Coolum mobile van or any BreastScreen Queensland Service, visit the BreastScreen website or call 13 20 50.

THE FACTS:  
• 75% of women diagnosed with breast cancer are over 50. Younger women do get breast cancer, but the risk of breast cancer increases dramatically after the age of 50.
• 9 out of 10 women diagnosed with breast cancer have NO family history of the disease. While women with a family history of breast cancer are more at risk, most women diagnosed have no family history of the disease at all.
• A breast screen every two years is the best way to detect breast cancer early.