Toowoomba Hospital turned pink this week to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month and create a powerful reminder for women to prioritise their health through regular breast screens.
Each October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month encourages women to take one simple, life-saving step: book a free breast screen. Early detection remains the single most effective way to improve treatment options and survival outcomes.
Darling Downs Health Acting Executive Director Mental Health, Rachel Phillips, who has a lived experience with breast cancer, said the pink lighting is a bold reminder to the community of the importance of screening.
“As someone who has personally faced breast cancer, I know how vital early detection is,” Ms Phillips said.
“A breast screen can find cancer before it can be seen or felt — and that early diagnosis can mean the difference between a simple treatment and something far more serious. Lighting up the hospital in pink is our way of encouraging women to make screening a priority. It could save their life.”
Darling Downs Health Acting Executive Director Mental Health, Rachel Phillips
Breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Australian women and early detection through screens significantly improves the likelihood of survival.
Encouragingly, survival rates in Australia are improving dramatically, from 75–78 per cent in the early 1990s to 92–93 per cent today, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. This improvement is thanks to advances in treatment and the critical role of early detection through breast screening.
While the risk of breast cancer increases significantly after the age of 50, nine out of ten women diagnosed have no family history of the disease, highlighting why screening is essential for everyone.
Toowoomba Hospital Foundation CEO, Jude Wills, said the Foundation is proud to support the initiative, which not only raises awareness but also reinforces the need for expanded cancer services locally.
“As the need for cancer care grows in our community, a new dedicated Regional Cancer Centre is now vital to ensure patients receive the care and treatment they deserve, closer to home,” said Ms Wills. “By raising awareness during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we are also raising much-needed funds to help make this centre a reality.”
BreastScreen Queensland offers clinic-based breast screening services in Toowoomba and mobile services across 39 Darling Downs locations, ensuring accessibility for women throughout the region.
A breast screen takes less than 30 minutes, with bookings available from 7am and on weekends to suit busy schedules.
Women aged 50 to 74 are strongly encouraged to book a free breast screen every two years on the BreastScreen Queensland website or by calling 13 20 50.