PARKED outside the Kerang Memorial Hall, Marjorie is a bit hard to miss.
But her purpose there is very important. In fact, Marjorie is the big, bright pink Breast Screen Victoria van.Radiographer Kyla Kyaw has been blown away by the response from locals, with the majority of clients between the target age groups of 50 to 74.
“So far every day is fully booked, and there are even quite a few ladies turning up and asking for an appointment,” Ms Kyaw said.
“We’ve been able to squeeze them in whenever we can.”
Despite the overwhelming response so far, Ms Kyaw understands that some people may put off the potentially lifesaving screen because of fear and anxiety.
“A long time ago, the compression involved in the screening images, it can be quite uncomfortable as it is quite tight, so they might have heard those kinds of stories that it really hurts and squishes the breast and they will come in really nervous,” she said.
However, Ms Kyaw says there was nothing to fear, as the process has been modernised and is now less painful than previously.
“It’s all about talking, all about communication,” Ms Kyaw said.
“We’re telling them and reassuring them, if the concern is the compression, we just explain that it is not going to be as bad and they can stop us anytime if it is too uncomfortable and we can readjust the pressure and position.”
Ms Kyaw believed it was evident that there was a need for services like this, especially in regional towns where healthcare was not always easily accessible.
“It (the breast screen) can pick up the early stages of breast cancer before you can actually feel it or have any symptoms, so it definitely can change the course of treatment and life for a client,” Ms Kyaw said.
“I encourage the locals to book for their mammogram if they haven’t and not to worry about the pain or anything, if they have any concerns just ask us anytime.
“Just come in, book in, and we can go from there.”
The breast screen van will be in Kerang until March 29.
