Mammograms at Myer

Myer is considering an agreement that will see the roll out of special breast cancer clinics at some of its stores in Western Sydney.

This landmark health approach in Australia is the result of a long-standing relationship between Myer and the New South Wales Breast Cancer Institute based at Westmead Hospital.

Myer is looking at allocating space in store where our female customers will be able to have their regular mammogram. For many women, this will be a welcome change as our store location will be convenient and more comfortable than a clinic.

It is hoped that the clinic will be fitted out with the latest advanced digital screening equipment and improve the speed with which women receive their results.

Subject to very detailed planning and testing and approval processes at Myer, BreastScreen NSW and NSW Health, it is hoped that the pilot will be operational by June 2008.  Myer Parramatta will be the pilot store for the program, and if successful, the clinics could be rolled out at Myer Castle Hill, Myer Blacktown and Myer Penrith 

“This is a breakthrough for Australian women, especially in Western Sydney, and the company is so proud of its involvement in this initiative,” said Myer New South Wales Regional Manager Nick Abboud.

“35 Australian women are diagnosed with breast cancer every day, and if Myer can play a role in fighting the disease, then we would be very happy,” said Mr. Abboud.

Discussions are also underway to have these clinics operate ‘after hours.’ Given that many women hold down full time jobs, or are busy with family commitments, being able to have a mammogram to coincide with late night and weekend trading at Myer would ensure more women are having regular follow-ups.

Professor John Boyages, Director of the NSW Breast Cancer Institute is excited about the very real difference the new clinics will make for women living with a prior diagnosis of breast cancer.

“Women are now living longer and healthier lives after successful treatment for breast cancer and it makes no sense to keep bringing them back into the hospital setting for follow up x-rays. By establishing clinics in Myer stores these women can have regular check ups but continue to feel their lives have moved on. It is a real breakthrough,” he said.

“This initiative is also about encouraging women in Western Sydney who feel fit and healthy to participate regularly with the Breast Screen Program by getting a check up at a Myer clinic. It is about early detection because this is the most important factor influencing successful treatment for a woman,” the Professor added.

“Western Sydney has, in some parts , low screening rates for breast cancer than the North or East of Sydney so I am confident a relationship with Myer would see thousands of women every year think about getting a mammogram while they are shopping,” Professors Boyages said.

 Myer Parramatta staff member Colleen Newton has had family touched by breast cancer herself and established a special service for women in Myer who have undergone a mastectomy. She helps fit our customers with their intimate apparel and other fashion needs in a comfortable and sensitive environment.

Hundreds of women are referred to Colleen from Westmead Hospital every year for special assistance in adjusting to life after a breast cancer of diagnosis. “ I see lots of women who are just looking to get back to a normal life after their diagnosis and I know they will be very happy to not have to take time out to visit a hospital but just go to their local Myer store,” said Colleen.

It is hoped a final announcement regarding the roll out of the clinics will be made in coming weeks.

Women aged 50 to 69 should undergo screening mammograms every two years.

BreastScreen Sydney West is part of the National Screening Program and is coordinated in NSW by the NSW Cancer Institute.  The NSW BCI has managed BreastScreen-Sydney West since May 2007.

Free Mammograms in the West of Sydney are currently available at Parramatta, Penrith Plaza, and Lithgow as well as in two mobile vans at- St Mary's (Cnr Mamre Rd and Gt Western Highway) and Castle Hill (opposite Castle Towers).

If you are aged 50 or over

Call 132050 for a free BreastScreen mammogram in Australia