Tasmanian mobile breast cancer screening services halved after 30-year-old bus fails
- Replies 14
Rachel has a family history of breast cancer, the most common cancer for Australian women.
As a resident of the regional town of Coles Bay, on Tasmania's east coast, using services like the BreastScreen bus service is "very important" to her.
"Because it will show the government that there is a need for these services in our area," she said.
One of the two mobile BreastScreen Tasmania units, operated by the Department of Health, was pulled from service in April.
The 32-year-old bus, dubbed 'Luna', sustained water damage that caused technical issues, leading to the cancellation of all future mobile appointments around the south and east coast until further notice.
For Rachel, the news was "quite concerning".
"If we miss this service, how many women are going to be missed?
"How many women are not going to have their early-stage cancers picked up on?"
A tender was previously published online, inviting companies to bid for the right to supply the fully fitted-out replacement bus.
The tender was withdrawn in February last year, 14 days into the 2024 state election campaign.
That was almost 18 months ago and there hasn't been another tender published since.
Last week, the department said that work was "underway to assess the viability of alternative arrangements moving forward — including how Ida [the other unit that operates in the north of the state] may be able to be redeployed".
The department made changes to its website last week, removing multiple references to there being two breast screening buses.
In a response to the ABC, the Department of Health said it has "publicly committed to providing a new mobile breast screening bus" and that "work is ongoing".
It said the process is likely to be completed in 2026.
"It's not good enough just to say it's in the budget and then never spend the money, they actually need to procure the service."
She also criticised the changes made to the Department of Health website.
"Breast screening is a lifesaving service, and when the government and the Health Department fail to provide this service, and are actively removing mentions of this service, then they are completely throwing women out at huge risk."
Ms Johnston called on "whoever forms government next to be genuine and serious about women's health and preventative health and advertise within the first 100 days a tender for the replacement mobile breast screening service".
Labor Leader Dean Winter said a replacement bus "needs to be a priority".
"The tender needs to be let so we can support and provide more services to Tasmanian women," he said.
On Wednesday, Tasmanian Liberal Leader Jeremy Rockliff said the replacement bus is, to his understanding, "on its way" as promised.
Ms Johnston said that was "not good enough".
In June, the Tasmanian Liberals promised four new BreastScreen clinics would be delivered under a re-elected Liberal government.
The permanent clinics would be located in Kingborough, Devonport, Triabunna and Glenorchy, providing free breast screening for eligible Tasmanians, prioritising those aged 50 to 74.
She said it's worrying a replacement bus has not been provided yet, as evidence shows "the further you live away from a major city, the worse your outcomes" when it comes to breast cancer.
"What the Tasmanian women deserve is access to the very best screening programme in a timely manner to ensure that we can prioritise their health and catch breast cancer as early as possible.
"The bus service has made a significant difference in the detection of early breast cancer right across the country. It's been really successful.
"It's why we got to make sure we're taking healthcare to the people in the regions."
Written by Crystal McKay and Sophie Jaggers, ABC News.
As a resident of the regional town of Coles Bay, on Tasmania's east coast, using services like the BreastScreen bus service is "very important" to her.
"Because it will show the government that there is a need for these services in our area," she said.
One of the two mobile BreastScreen Tasmania units, operated by the Department of Health, was pulled from service in April.
The 32-year-old bus, dubbed 'Luna', sustained water damage that caused technical issues, leading to the cancellation of all future mobile appointments around the south and east coast until further notice.
For Rachel, the news was "quite concerning".
"If we miss this service, how many women are going to be missed?
"How many women are not going to have their early-stage cancers picked up on?"
Tender for replacement yet to be confirmed
Last week, a Liberals spokesperson said funding was committed for a replacement bus and that the "procurement process is underway".A tender was previously published online, inviting companies to bid for the right to supply the fully fitted-out replacement bus.
The tender was withdrawn in February last year, 14 days into the 2024 state election campaign.
That was almost 18 months ago and there hasn't been another tender published since.
Luna pictured in better days. (Supplied: Huon Regional Care)
Last week, the department said that work was "underway to assess the viability of alternative arrangements moving forward — including how Ida [the other unit that operates in the north of the state] may be able to be redeployed".
The department made changes to its website last week, removing multiple references to there being two breast screening buses.
In a response to the ABC, the Department of Health said it has "publicly committed to providing a new mobile breast screening bus" and that "work is ongoing".
It said the process is likely to be completed in 2026.
Four new clinics if elected, say Liberals
Independent candidate for Clark, Kristie Johnston, said the department no longer intended to replace Luna due to budget constraints."It's not good enough just to say it's in the budget and then never spend the money, they actually need to procure the service."
She also criticised the changes made to the Department of Health website.
"Breast screening is a lifesaving service, and when the government and the Health Department fail to provide this service, and are actively removing mentions of this service, then they are completely throwing women out at huge risk."
Ms Johnston is calling on whoever forms government next to ensure the delivery of a replacement mobile breast screening service. (ABC News: Maren Preuss)
Ms Johnston called on "whoever forms government next to be genuine and serious about women's health and preventative health and advertise within the first 100 days a tender for the replacement mobile breast screening service".
Labor Leader Dean Winter said a replacement bus "needs to be a priority".
"The tender needs to be let so we can support and provide more services to Tasmanian women," he said.
On Wednesday, Tasmanian Liberal Leader Jeremy Rockliff said the replacement bus is, to his understanding, "on its way" as promised.
Ms Johnston said that was "not good enough".
In June, the Tasmanian Liberals promised four new BreastScreen clinics would be delivered under a re-elected Liberal government.
The permanent clinics would be located in Kingborough, Devonport, Triabunna and Glenorchy, providing free breast screening for eligible Tasmanians, prioritising those aged 50 to 74.
Need for early detection
Kirsten Pilatti, chief executive of Breast Cancer Network Australia, said the health of Tasmanian women in regional and rural communities is not currently being prioritised.She said it's worrying a replacement bus has not been provided yet, as evidence shows "the further you live away from a major city, the worse your outcomes" when it comes to breast cancer.
"What the Tasmanian women deserve is access to the very best screening programme in a timely manner to ensure that we can prioritise their health and catch breast cancer as early as possible.
"The bus service has made a significant difference in the detection of early breast cancer right across the country. It's been really successful.
"It's why we got to make sure we're taking healthcare to the people in the regions."
Written by Crystal McKay and Sophie Jaggers, ABC News.
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