Mrs Fardell used the occasion to urge women to take advantage of the service, which has been re-fitted as part of a $26 million State Government upgrade of the BreastScreen program.

The mobile BreastScreen van has also been fitted with the same digital technology, ensuring that women throughout the electorate will benefit from the latest cancer detection technology available anywhere in the world.

Digital screening enables a much higher quality image to be taken of the breast tissue than previously possible with film x-rays, improving the chances of detecting an abnormality in its very early stages.

This is particularly important for detecting abnormalities in younger women, who tend to have denser breast tissue.

Last year the van was well supported by women in Narromine, Parkes, Forbes, Peak Hill, Trundle and Tullamore and surrounding communities.

‘In 2007 the van extended its stay in the Forbes /Parkes region from six weeks to 14 weeks to ensure women living in outlying towns and villages were given every opportunity to access the service,’ Mrs Fardell said.

‘When the van returns to the region next year women will have the benefit of this improved detection technology.

‘For those aged 50 to 69, there are few things you can do that are as important for your health as having a mammogram every two years.

‘BreastScreen estimates that about five cancers are detected for every 1,000 women so there is a tremendous incentive for women to have a regular mammogram.’

Digital mammography enables high quality breast screen images to be transmitted electronically from screening centres across rural and regional areas to central x-ray reading rooms for analysis by experienced radiologists.

‘This digital technology will provide doctors with clearer images, faster results and better early detection - ultimately saving lives,’ Ms Fardell said.

Figures show that one in nine women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime and each year more than 900 NSW women lose their lives to the disease. Breast cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths among NSW women.

The mobile clinic will be visiting Walgett, Coonamble, Coonabarabran, Mudgee, Coolah, Dunedoo, Gilgandra, Wellington and Rylestone this year.