Breast care boost for regional patients

Women in north-west Victoria now have better access to breast care following the launch of a new clinic at Mildura Health Private Hospital.

The Mildura Health Breast Unit will offer a comprehensive service for the management of breast diseases, from diagnosis and personalised treatment through to recovery and ongoing review.

Mildura Health Private Hospital CEO Marcus Guthrie said the new service provided much-needed local healthcare for women in the Sunraysia region.

"Early detection is key to effective treatment of breast diseases such as cancer and this unit will make it easier for women to monitor their health and access advanced care easily, without the need for travelling to the city," he said.

The unit will initially be supported by three Melbourne-based consultant specialists, but Mr Guthrie said it would expand as demand grows. 

"It's important to note the exceptional work of local general surgeons over many years; however, our data highlights that a significant number of women are still leaving the region for breast surgery," he said.

The experienced specialists – Dr Su Wen Loh, Dr Jenny Huynh and Dr Peter Newton – will be joined in the unit by Genetic Counsellor Jasmina Bojadzieva, who has extensive experience in cancer genetics.

"Jasmina is passionate about women being supported to make informed decisions about their own healthcare," Mr Guthrie said.

"Consulting through this unit, she will help give patients and family members peace of mind and access to proactive health management."

Mr Guthrie said the unit would help more women to receive local care "without the disruption that historically has been associated with a breast disease diagnosis".

"We know the best outcomes come from early detection and treatment, so having access to services, without the need for travel and the costs and strain that causes, will undoubtedly offer a better pathway to care and recovery," he said.

Read more: Country women travel for city care

Read more: $5m project to support regional patients

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