IT COULD be the one image that saves your life, and this October, the mobile BreastScreen van is returning to Coolum and will be set up at the top of Jack Morgan Park from October 2-16.

The service is free, and BreastScreen Queensland Sunshine Coast Acting Medical Director Dr Junia Larsen said the team was excited to be bringing the mobile service back to Coolum for a second time.

“We had a great response from women when we were at Coolum in 2024, and we are hoping that this year, even more local women will find the time to prioritise their health and visit the mobile service for their regular breast screen.”

BreastScreen Queensland offers free breast screening to women aged 40 and over.

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

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

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 really make all the difference,” said Dr Larsen.

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

Free screening is also available at Caloundra, Gympie, Maroochydore, Nambour and Noosaville all year round.

To make a booking at any of the BreastScreen Services, 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.
• Nine 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, well before you or your doctor can feel anything.