The women of Women’s Health Week: meet Sue

24 August 2020

Tags: News

The women of Women’s Health Week: meet Sue

As the State Radiographer for BreastScreen Victoria, Sue Macaulay understands better than most the importance of regular health checks and screenings as part of every woman’s health routine.

Since 1993, Sue has worked as a radiographer for BreastScreen Victoria, taking the breast X-rays, or mammograms, of many women over the years. As State Radiographer, she is also a clinical advisor to the BreastScreen program.

Sue says this year “has been more challenging than most, for us as well as our clients.”

“COVID-19 has meant we are all now wearing face coverings,” she says. “However, we are still there for the client and want to make sure they have a good experience.”

BreastScreen Victoria invites eligible Victorians aged 50 to 74 for a free breast screen, or mammogram, every two years. There are 42 permanent screening clinics, as well as mobile services that cover 29 locations. A mammogram only takes about 10 minutes, is done by female radiographers, and you don’t need a doctor’s referral to attend.

In addition to face coverings, BreastScreen Victoria has other safety measures in place. These include health and safety questions for every client at the time of booking and screening, and spaced-out appointments to allow for physical distancing in clinics and more cleaning between clients.

Isolation and lockdowns have been disruptive for many women’s health routines, but Sue encourages women not to delay their mammograms.

“BreastScreen Victoria is open, and I urge you not to put off your screening,” she says. “We’re a program for those with no symptoms, so if you notice any changes in your breast or have any symptoms, please contact your GP without delay.

“It’s important to remember this Women’s Health Week that health is not just about your physical self, but also about your wellbeing. Please look after yourself both physically and mentally.”

BreastScreen Victoria is a Women’s Health Week community partner.

BreastScreen Victoria has joined with Jean Hailes for Women’s Health as a community partner to help spread the campaign message to ‘check in on your health’, reminding women to keep up to date with regular health checks.

Regular breast screens are an essential part of routine wellbeing, and are the best way to find breast cancer early, before any symptoms are noticed and when treatment is likely to be most successful.