BreastScreen: Keeping Abreast with the Community

Abstract

BreastScreen NSW Central & Western covers approximately half of New South Wales (NSW), and this vast area and the diversity of its population requires a different approach from programs in smaller and more homogeneous locations. Although the Program has a discrete budget and staff dedicated solely to breast screening, it has also been important to develop, foster and maintain links with community health staff and with members of local communities in order to provide the service effectively. A variety of links which have been developed and are crucial to the success of the program are described.