The van arrived in Forbes on Monday and will be stationed at Victoria Park behind the cenotaph until Monday, September 28.

The mobile breast screening unit is one of 11 upgraded vans in the state which are being rolled out to help support early detection. 

Statistics reveal one in eight women in NSW will be affected by breast cancer in their lifetime.

Lachlan Health Service manager Liz Mitchell said early detection for breast cancer increases survival, and treatment is often less invasive than for cancers diagnosed when they are more advanced. 

Survival for breast cancer, when detected early, is as high as 98 per cent.

“Early detection is the key to improving the survival rate of breast cancer and mammograms can detect cancers before they can be seen or felt,” Ms Mitchell said. 

The unit is part of a NSW government investment of $8.8 million to upgrade the BreastScreen NSW fleet with state-of-the-art vehicles and screening technology. 

The federal government contributed $4.4 million.

The new unit features the latest in digital mammography and communications which allows diagnostic images to be sent for analysis to doctors and radiologists instantly.

Other enhancements include improved air-conditioning and wheelchair accessibility.

Ms Mitchell said it’s wonderful that women from Forbes can get a free mammogram without having to travel during this time.

“It is vital for all women aged between 50 and 74 to have a mammogram every two years at a BreastScreen NSW clinic,” she said. 

“It is a free service that only takes 20 minutes and it could save your life.

“I encourage local women to make the most of this opportunity while the BreastScreen van is in Forbes to make a booking and be screened.”

Women aged between 50 and 74 are encouraged to make a booking for a free screening.

The service is currently seeing 40 women a day, however bookings are filling up fast. Bookings can be made by phoning 13-20-50 or by dropping into the van.