BCI Sunflower Clinic opens - mammograms at Myer

Free mammograms for women especially those aged over 50 years are now available at Myer Parramatta following the launch of the world-first BCI Sunflower Clinic on Monday 19 January 2009, the exciting result of a community partnership between the NSW Breast Cancer Institute (BCI) and Myer, with funding from the BCI, the Cancer Institute of NSW, Sydney West Area Health Service and NSW Health.

BCI staff Lily Jin and Barbara Dunn at the BCI Sunflower Clinic

The BCI Sunflower Clinic is a world-first new concept that links screening to treatment to support and follow up and will, quite simply, help fight breast cancer and save lives. The BCI Sunflower Clinic at Myer Parramatta is one of eight new breast screening clinics opening across the western Sydney area in the coming months and the first of the four retail-based clinics planned for Myer stores in the area.

Myer CEO Bernie Brookes, Penrith MP Karyn Paluzzano, Minister assisting Minister for Health (Cancer) the Hon. Jodi McKay and BCI Director Professor John Boyages cut the ribbon at the official opening of the BCI Sunflower Clinic at Myer Parramatta on 19 January 2009

BCI Executive Director Professor John Boyages said his vision was to link screening, diagnosis and treatment together to ensure that all women get the same high-quality standard of care.

“Thirty-five Australian women are diagnosed with breast cancer every day and breast screening is proven to save lives. Western Sydney has lower screening rates for breast cancer than the North or East of Sydney but I’m confident the BCI Sunflower Clinics will see thousands of women every year consider having a mammogram while they’re shopping.”

Women can phone 13 20 50 to book a mammogram or phone direct on 9843 3288. We especially invite women aged 50 to 69 who get the most benefit and are sent a reminder every two years but all women over 40 are eligible for a FREE mammogram.

 

The BCI Sunflower clinic is conveniently located in the Intimate Apparel Department

Located in the lingerie department of Myer, the BCI Sunflower Clinic is fitted with the latest digital screening equipment that will shorten examination time, provide a lower chance of needing to have images re-taken, improve reporting times and increase image quality.

“When a woman is screened in the BCI Sunflower Clinic, the images are transmitted in seconds to the BCI centre at Westmead Hospital where they are read by two doctors. One in 200 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and they will receive co-ordinated care by teams of experts at Westmead and associated hospitals,” Professor Boyages said.

Breast cancer survivor and BCI staff member Beverly Hunt stands in front of a digital mammography unit at the BCI Sunflower Clinic.

Myer CEO Bernie Brookes said the opening of the BCI Sunflower Clinic at Myer Parramatta was a breakthrough for Australian women, especially in western Sydney, and the company was very proud to be involved in such a unique and life-saving initiative.

The BCI Sunflower Clinic’s opening hours will correspond with Myer’s normal operating hours including late nights and weekend trading. “Many women have full time jobs and family commitments so the BCI Sunflower Clinic will make it easier for busy women to access mammograms when it’s convenient for them,” Mr Brookes said.

Prof Boyages and and BCI Sunflower Clinic Myer Parramatta first client Elizabeth Moulang

NSW Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Jodi McKay) said four hospital-based BCI Sunflower Clinics at Blue Mountains, Mt Druitt, Lithgow (operational) and Auburn and four retail-based BCI Sunflower Clinics at Myer stores in Parramatta (opened today), Penrith, Castle Hill and Blacktown stores were proposed for 2009.

“The BCI Sunflower Clinics strategy is a landmark health approach and an excellent community partnership - with Myer providing marketing support and rent-free space, and the Cancer Institute of NSW, Sydney West Area Health Service and NSW Health providing funding.”

Senior Radiographer Vanessa Sands

 

Read the BreastScreen Sunflower Clinic advertisement

Read about the BCI Sunflower Clinc in the world press

To make a BreastScreen appointment at Myer Parramatta phone 9843 3288

To make a BreastScreen appointment at any other location phone 132050

Read the letter of congratulations from Breast Cancer Action Group NSW

Get more information about Breast Cancer Action Group NSW

Bowls of sunflowers, the symbol of the BCI, were placed about the store to mark the launch of the Sunflower Clinic.

Many of the BCI staff attended the launch.