Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women in Australia with 1 in 8 women developing it in their lifetime.
The situation is not so much different in Korea. Breast cancer is the second most common cancer followed by thyroid cancer affecting Korean women.
Sydney Local Health District, Multicultural Health Service has been vigorously campaigned in the Korean community in Sydney to promote the importance of breast careening after they found out many women with Korean background didn't participate in the mammogram as a result of a few reasons including language barrier and lack of awareness.
Dr Thomas Young Chul Oh is a breast and endocrine surgeon based in Strathfield and has been actively involved with the Breast Screening program for the Korean women as a medical advisor.
Dr Oh says the five-year relative survival rate for people diagnosed with breast cancer is very high so it is recommended women especially over 40 attend a mammographic screening for an early detection.
"It only takes 10-20 minutes but it can make a dramatic change in your life" he says.
It is believed that around 740 women have been screened through the campaign targeting for the Korean community in Sydney since 2017.
Breasstscreen NSW's mobile unit has been operating in Strathfield since May 21, 2018.
Women aged over 40 regardless of their visa types can attend the free screening. Korean interpreting service is available on the site.
The full interview with the Dr Thomas Oh is available on the podcast above.
Breast Screen Mobile Van Source: Supplied
