THE ACT has the highest incidence rate for invasive breast cancer in Australia according to the latest monitoring report on the BreastScreen Australia Program.

The report, released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, shows the ACT’s incidence rate for invasive breast cancer as 321.3 per 100,000 women compared to the national of 283.4 per 100,000 women.

However, the ACT has the lowest mortality from breast cancer for women in the 50-69 target age group for breast screening, with 45.9 per 100,000 women compared to the national average of 50.3 per 100,000.

“Detecting cancer early through regular screening of well women is important in reducing mortality from breast cancer,” Chief Minister and Minister for Health Katy Gallagher said.

“The BreastScreen Australia monitoring report 2008-2009 highlights some areas for improvement in the BreastScreen ACT program, particularly with regard to participation of women in the program.

“For the first time, the ACT participation rate at 53.8 per cent falls below the national average of 55.2 per cent. I have asked the Health Directorate to provide advice to the Government on the scope for a renewed information campaign to ensure women in the target group understand the importance of screening.

The BreastScreen Australia monitoring report 2008-2009 presents information on participation in breast screening, cancer detection, program sensitivity, and recall to assessment and rescreening rates. In addition, the report presents breast cancer incidence and mortality data to provide a context for these indicators of screening activity.

“Continued recruitment of ACT women aged 50-69 to participate in regular breast screening remains a priority for BreastScreen ACT,” Ms Gallagher said.

“We know that early intervention for women with breast cancer significantly improves women’s chances of beating breast cancer. Screening is an important part of that.”