Dr LIM - 1994-09-01
As members would be aware, the Northern Territory is participating in the national program for the earlier detection of breast cancer among Territory women. I understand that the Department of Health and Community Services intends to open a new breast cancer screening and assessment service in the near future. Can the minister advise when this new service will be available to Territory women?
ANSWER
Mr Speaker, this is a most appropriate question for the member for Greatorex to ask given that today is the Northern Territory Anti Cancer Foundation's Daffodil Day, a day when the foundation will be informing Territorians about the services that it provides. It is an opportunity also for raising funds for the very important and worthwhile work that the Anti Cancer Foundation does for the people of the Northern Territory.
Breast cancer is the most common cause of death by cancer among women in Australia today. More than 2500 Australian women die from breast cancer each year. Breast cancer is more prevalent among older women, particularly those over 50. To ensure that Territory women have access to high-quality screening and assessment services, the Territory government is purchasing new high-tech equipment and developing additional services. Work has begun on a purpose-built clinic at Sturt House annexe opposite the Casuarina Shopping Square. The clinic will undertake screening of well women in the 40 years and over age bracket with the clinic targeting women over 50 when it opens later this year.
The government is awaiting delivery of one of the world's most sophisticated X-ray units, costing $162 000. The new X-ray unit features a range of unique qualities including an optimised compression device, which automatically senses the optimal breast compression, and a function that automatically releases after exposure, thereby reducing the level of discomfort caused to women. The government is purchasing other equipment, including an $89 000 Toshiba ultrasound machine for breast ultrasound imaging, and a $52 000 daylight film processor which will automatically process film images without the need for darkroom facilities. A specialist memo viewer also has been purchased at a cost of $32 000 to allow the radiologist to view breast images. Four staff, including a breast clinician, radiographer, data manager and promotion officer will be employed at the service. Darwin private radiologist, Dr Nick Staats, will undertake the X-ray readings in conjunction with a second radiologist.
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Both specialists will take part in the ongoing assessment and follow-up programs offered by the service.
The department estimates that there are about 20 000 Territory women over the age of 40 years who are eligible for mammography services on a 2-yearly basis. Territory women will soon have access to breast cancer detection screening and assessment services using the latest technology and equipment. I am pleased to say that women who live in rural and remote areas will be offered priority bookings in order to maximise the numbers of women who can access the service. The screening and assessment service will be offered free of charge to all Territory women. The department is focusing its efforts also on providing more appropriate mammography screening to residents in our regional centres, including Alice Springs and Katherine. Later this year, a 'Well Women' screening program will get under way in the Territory's rural areas, with screening planned for the Katherine and Alice Springs regions. This is an extremely important program which will be in place by the end of this year, providing the best quality service to Territory women. It is yet another illustration of the excellent progress that this government is making in the delivery of health and community services to Territorians.
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ANSWER
Mr Speaker, this is a most appropriate question for the member for Greatorex to ask given that today is the Northern Territory Anti Cancer Foundation's Daffodil Day, a day when the foundation will be informing Territorians about the services that it provides. It is an opportunity also for raising funds for the very important and worthwhile work that the Anti Cancer Foundation does for the people of the Northern Territory.
Breast cancer is the most common cause of death by cancer among women in Australia today. More than 2500 Australian women die from breast cancer each year. Breast cancer is more prevalent among older women, particularly those over 50. To ensure that Territory women have access to high-quality screening and assessment services, the Territory government is purchasing new high-tech equipment and developing additional services. Work has begun on a purpose-built clinic at Sturt House annexe opposite the Casuarina Shopping Square. The clinic will undertake screening of well women in the 40 years and over age bracket with the clinic targeting women over 50 when it opens later this year.
The government is awaiting delivery of one of the world's most sophisticated X-ray units, costing $162 000. The new X-ray unit features a range of unique qualities including an optimised compression device, which automatically senses the optimal breast compression, and a function that automatically releases after exposure, thereby reducing the level of discomfort caused to women. The government is purchasing other equipment, including an $89 000 Toshiba ultrasound machine for breast ultrasound imaging, and a $52 000 daylight film processor which will automatically process film images without the need for darkroom facilities. A specialist memo viewer also has been purchased at a cost of $32 000 to allow the radiologist to view breast images. Four staff, including a breast clinician, radiographer, data manager and promotion officer will be employed at the service. Darwin private radiologist, Dr Nick Staats, will undertake the X-ray readings in conjunction with a second radiologist.
Page 136
Both specialists will take part in the ongoing assessment and follow-up programs offered by the service.
The department estimates that there are about 20 000 Territory women over the age of 40 years who are eligible for mammography services on a 2-yearly basis. Territory women will soon have access to breast cancer detection screening and assessment services using the latest technology and equipment. I am pleased to say that women who live in rural and remote areas will be offered priority bookings in order to maximise the numbers of women who can access the service. The screening and assessment service will be offered free of charge to all Territory women. The department is focusing its efforts also on providing more appropriate mammography screening to residents in our regional centres, including Alice Springs and Katherine. Later this year, a 'Well Women' screening program will get under way in the Territory's rural areas, with screening planned for the Katherine and Alice Springs regions. This is an extremely important program which will be in place by the end of this year, providing the best quality service to Territory women. It is yet another illustration of the excellent progress that this government is making in the delivery of health and community services to Territorians.
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Last updated: 09 Aug 2016