WA Government Urges Women to Prioritise Breast Screening for Early Detection
- To close that gap between late discovery and early treatment, the Western Australian government and BreastScreen WA launched a State-wide campaign throughout October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
- The public health campaign encourages women to take what it calls what could be the most important photo of their life.
- Minister for Women Simone McGurk pointed out that women frequently sacrifice their own well-being for their families.
Every day, 56 Australians are diagnosed with breast cancer. To close that gap between late discovery and early treatment, the Western Australian government and BreastScreen WA launched a State-wide campaign throughout October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
BreastScreen WA Campaign Highlights Importance of Mammograms
The public health campaign encourages women to take what it calls what could be the most important photo of their life
. Broadcast across radio and social media throughout October, the outreach features a visual wall of treasured family photographs with a mammogram image positioned directly at the center. The core message of the initiative is simple: Don’t miss the most important photo of all
.
Minister for Women Simone McGurk pointed out that women frequently sacrifice their own well-being for their families. She noted that partners, family members, and friends can assist by helping women schedule appointments, providing transportation, or freeing up time for health checks.
The push for early detection is backed by financial commitments from the Cook Labor Government. The state budget for 2026–27 includes an $8 million funding boost directed specifically at BreastScreen WA. That financial allocation incorporates a $4.4 million injection delivered earlier in the year designed to help the organization screen an additional 5,000 women annually.
Infrastructure expansion accompanies the funding. In September 2026, a new purpose-built $2.44 million BreastScreen WA clinic officially opened in Bunbury to improve healthcare access for residents in the South West region. Preventative Health Minister Meredith Hammat emphasized that these investments aim to ensure women across the state can access medical care whenever they need it.
Women Aged 50 to 74 Can Book Free Screenings
The risk of developing breast cancer increases with age. Consequently, women aged 50 to 74 are strongly urged to undergo a free screening mammogram every two years.
Eligible residents can arrange an appointment online through the official BreastScreen WA website. Alternatively, individuals can call 13 20 50 to speak directly with a staff member.