A cancer survivor from North East Tasmania, Angela Witcher, has initiated a petition to restore a vital breast screening service after being impacted by its sudden suspension. The Luna BreastScreen Mobile Screening Unit has been out of operation since May due to significant water damage, leaving many women in rural areas without access to essential screenings.
Witcher’s personal journey with breast cancer began in 2017 when she received a diagnosis shortly after losing her best friend to the disease. The early detection of her “tiny but aggressive” cancer made a crucial difference, leading to a successful lumpectomy and subsequent treatments. “The only reason I’m still here is because it was caught so early,” she reflected. Since her recovery, she has relied on the mobile unit for annual screenings, emphasizing the importance of accessibility for women living in remote regions.
The suspension of the screening unit has caused frustration among local residents. “I was waiting to get the schedule for the bus and then realized it wasn’t coming,” Witcher expressed. She criticized the lack of communication regarding the service’s status, noting that it left many women without alternatives for their screenings. Traveling to the nearest health facility in Launceston can take one to two hours for some women, making regular screenings a challenge.
In response to the situation, Witcher launched an online petition on September 8, 2023, aiming to raise awareness and advocate for the restoration of the service. The petition has garnered almost 1,000 signatures from supporters across the country. “A lot of people just can’t travel… unfortunately, that’s when things happen, and that can be the difference between life and death,” she said.
Bridget Archer, Tasmania’s Minister for Health, indicated in early September that the mobile unit is expected to return within 12 months. She attributed the delay to limited availability for the fit-out of mobile screening units nationwide. Witcher expressed dissatisfaction with this timeframe, stating, “It’s not fair to play with people’s lives.” She called for immediate action, stating that someone must take responsibility to expedite the process.
In addition to the mobile unit, the government is working on establishing new permanent BreastScreen clinics in locations including Kingborough, Devonport, Triabunna, and Glenorchy. Archer also announced plans for patient travel assistance, including a free charter bus service from the East Coast to Hobart for women needing to attend screenings.
With the growing support for the petition and the ongoing discussions with health officials, Witcher remains determined to ensure that women in rural Tasmania have access to essential breast screening services. “If that’s a job I have to take on, I’ll find a way,” she declared, highlighting her commitment to advocating for the health and well-being of her community.
