By Esther Lauaki
Melton residents are being encouraged to “make a commitment to themselves and their loved ones” by getting screened for cancer.
Latest cancer screening figures showed that only 51 per cent of Melton women have had a breast screen between 2015 and 2017.
And only 38 per cent of residents aged between 50 and 74, who were sent a home bowel cancer screening kit in the past year, have returned it, according to the data.
Melton MP Steve McGhie urged residents to become more aware of what they can do to reduce their cancer risk.
“We know that a cancer diagnosis can be devastating not only for the person, but for friends and loved ones and that’s why we are committed to cancer prevention and early detection,” Mr McGhie said.
“Screening and early diagnosis is key to surviving many types of cancer.
“That’s why it is so important to keep up regular screening and to talk to your GP if you have any concerns.”
The state’s latest health figures shows that 1168 people in the Melton electorate are presently living with cancer and more than 350 people are diagnosed each year.
The most common cancers were prostate, breast, bowel and skin.
