A mobile breast cancer screening unit has been set up in the North Cape Mall in Kimberley and will remain there until Friday (28/6).

Every woman over 40 should get a mammogram every year since it can identify breast cancer even before a lump is noticed. The most effective method of identifying early indications of breast cancer is through a mammogram, a specialised X-ray that takes comprehensive pictures of anomalies in breast tissue.

The initiative, in collaboration with Screen Her Save Her and KSR Keystone Radiology aims to raise awareness about the importance of breast cancer screening and making this much-needed service available throughout South Africa.

“This is our first time in Kimberley, and we try to return to a site every year as the women count on us for their annual screening. This is dependent on the route of the unit,” said mobile mammogram unit manager and mammographer, Magda Kriek

The mobile unit is fully female-operated to provide a more comfortable experience for women. Mammogram scanning is open to women with and without medical aid.

“An appointment takes about 20 minutes and the result is made available before they leave the unit through consultation with our reporting radiologists,” said Kriek

The mobile breast cancer screening unit. Picture supplied

The mobile mammogram unit has been on the road since 2020 and has for the first time added Kimberley to the list of cities to visit.

The facility offers women a private, professional, and world-class service, where they feel welcome and relaxed. The women who work on the mobile unit are passionate about what they do and are experts in their field. Men are also welcome to visit the unit if they have experienced any symptoms.

The unit will also be in the following towns:

• 1–18 July: Heritage Mall, Kathu

• 22 July–2 August: Kalahari Mall, Upington

• 5–15 August: Springbok (venue to be confirmed)

Bookings can already be made.

“Please use this opportunity for your annual mammogram screening – early detection means better treatment outcomes and a better quality of life,” said Kriek. “We hope to return to Kimberley in the future.”

OFM News/Casey-Lee Anthony dg