Personal stories have an immediate impact that facts and figures often fail to convey.

We are indeed fortunate in Bendigo to have our own BreastScreen Victoria Screening Centre in Barnard Street. 

There's no doctor's referral required, no charge for your mammogram and I would echo Annie's observation that "the highly trained staff are supportive and professional in every way".

Appointments can be made by phone on 13 20 50 or online at www.breastscreen.org.au 

It's easy to make appointments and the screening process only takes about 10 minutes of your time.

Data recently released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reveals that only just over half of Australian women in the 50-69 age bracket took part in the screening program during 2011-2012. 

Hopefully Bendigo women can lead the way in improving these statistics.

What's your opinion?

Do you have some thoughts on this issue? Click here to send a letter to the editor.

Preference is given to letters of no more than 350 words.