WOMEN living in New South Wales on the outskirts of Canberra can once again access breast screening services in the ACT.

The ACT and NSW governments have signed an agreement today to fund 1,000 screenings per year for NSW women, which equates to 20 screening appointments per week.

Years ago BreastScreen ACT stopped servicing women from across the border because of funding issues.

Chief Minister Katy Gallagher and NSW Health Minister Jillian Skinner says today’s decision was based on significant feedback received from NSW women who found it difficult to attend a NSW screening clinic during business hours.

“Women who are residents in the border region between NSW and ACT and who undertake paid or unpaid work in the ACT will once again have access to breast  screening services in the ACT,” Mrs Skinner said.

“It is important all women have ease of access to breast screening services and I’m pleased to see working women will be able to visit a BreastScreen clinic nearby.

“A woman diagnosed with breast cancer in NSW today has among the highest chances  of survival in the world – but we know early detection is the key to survival.”

ACT women, or NSW women working in the ACT, who are due to be screened are encouraged to call 13 20 50 for an appointment.