Too old and too young to have breast cancer
A month ago the Western Australian Government caused a furore when they privatised their Breast Screening Program. Now thanks to the Freedom of Information laws, it seems the Australian Labor Government is considering changes to the federally funded scheme. Free mammograms to women under the age of forty-six and over the age of seventy-five would cease to be funded. The CEO of National Seniors Australia, Michael O’Neil, believes that this is a dangerous move that could restrict healthcare to the majority while overlooking the minority. But the CEO of the Australian Cancer Council, Professor Ian Oliver, thinks the government is exploring all the vital areas of the issue.
(Correction: it was the Western Australian Government not the Queensland Government who made the changes to their Breast Screening Program)