Coronavirus halts breast screening service in Queensland

BreastScreen Queensland has suspended routine mammograms to protect health workers from developing the novel coronavirus.

The service remains open for women required to return for additional testing.

In a statement on its website, BreastScreen Queensland said it was a "difficult but necessary decision".

"BreastScreen Queensland has temporarily suspended routine breast screening due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic," it said.

"We understand the concerns about our service closure. This was a difficult but necessary decision to safeguard the health of our clients, staff, and community.

"We are sorry for the impact this change will have on our clients and thank you for your patience and understanding. Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by this crisis."

The organisation also said it hoped to free up resources in the health care system to free up clinicians to help in the fight against COVID-19.

Women who have recently had a breastscreen will receive their results as normal.

BreastScreen Queensland said women should continue to remain vigilant about checking their breasts.

Women are urged to contact their general practitioners immediately if they notice changes in their breasts like a lump, or lumpiness, a change in the size, or pain that won't go away.

The decision comes almost a week after South Australia also halted its breast screening services for at least three months to prevent the spread of coronavirus.