Praneeta Mahajan
Hamilton, March 14, 2024
In an effort to increase easy access to breast cancer screening and provide a wider reach among the communities, Counties Manukau will now have a mobile screening unit, which will remain in operation while the new service extension at Manukau Health Park is being completed, to help provide additional capacity.
This service will partner with community groups and local marae to help raise awareness and support. It will also visit locations that people travel to frequently, like shopping centres.
The new mobile unit has a mammography machine and IT equipment to transmit images, as well as an internal waiting area.
Making healthcare easier
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti said that the launch of a new mobile breast screening unit in Counties Manukau reinforces the coalition Government’s commitment to drive better cancer services for all New Zealanders.
Speaking at the launch of the new mobile clinic, Dr Reti said that it is a great example of taking health services directly into communities and is expected to reach up to 6,000 women a year.
“This new mobile clinic helps make it easier for more women to get breast screening done, with a focus on reaching those who are under-screened or who have never been screened. Mobile breast screening clinics continue to be a really important part of reaching our communities, particularly for those who do not have access to transport or who live in rural or remote areas.”
“Mobile units like this one will also play an important role in the rollout of the new age extension we announced recently, and Health New Zealand (Te Whatu Ora) will be looking at requirements for more mobile clinics,” Dr Reti said.
Cancer initiatives
The mobile screening unit is welcome news for the community at large and a part of a broad spectrum of cancer initiatives by the government, including a faster cancer treatment health target, which aims to provide 90%of patients with cancer management within 31 days of the decision to treat, increasing breast screening eligibility for 70 – 74-year-olds, funding two new cancer drugs for breast cancer and acute myeloid leukaemia.
The government has also given a go-ahead for funding towards South Island PET scanning accessibility, which will especially benefit men with prostate cancer.
A new cancer radiotherapy machine at Whangārei Hospital has also been announced, which will help 520 Northlanders a year, who will no longer have to travel to Auckland for treatment.
Addressing wait times
Many families and patients have highlighted the problem of long wait times for treatment once the diagnosis has been made, to which Dr Reti said, “We know cancer touches thousands of New Zealand families each year, and that is why addressing wait times for cancer treatment was something the Government prioritised as one of its five key health targets.”
“We know there is still a lot more to do. As Minister of Health, I will drive a vigorous new direction on behalf of a Government determined to deliver for all New Zealanders.”
“I also want to acknowledge the hard work of our health staff, who work across cancer screening and treatment to help improve health outcomes for cancer patients,” Dr Reti said.
A global health concern
As per global statistics by WHO, Breast cancer is a significant global health concern. It is the most common cancer among women worldwide, with approximately 2.3 million new cases diagnosed annually.
It is also one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in women globally. In 2020, there were an estimated 685,000 deaths from breast cancer worldwide. Incidence rates vary significantly around the world, with higher rates observed in developed countries compared to developing ones. However, mortality rates tend to be higher in less developed regions due to factors such as limited access to early detection and treatment.
As per the Age Distribution, while breast cancer can occur at any age, the risk increases with age, with the majority of cases diagnosed in women over 50 years old.
Many countries have implemented breast cancer screening programs aimed at detecting cancer at an early stage when treatment is most effective. Mammography is the most commonly used screening tool, although its availability and utilisation vary globally.
Breast cancer awareness campaigns and advocacy efforts are crucial in promoting early detection, reducing stigma, and improving access to care for patients worldwide.
Praneeta Mahajan is an Indian Newslink reporter based in Hamilton.
