Out of pocket costs and disparity of care between public and private health systems were among the key issues raised by breast cancer patients at a Launceston forum at the weekend.
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Tasmania remains the only state in Australia without publicly funded diagnostic mammography.
Breast Cancer Network of Australia chief executive Kirsten Pilatti said the ongoing issue meant many women often couldn't afford the necessary follow up care.
"It has been a long time in both Hobart and Launceston, where women haven't been able to get public mammography for their symptoms," she said.
"They are having to go to the private suppliers, of which they get an out of pocket cost.
"It can tip many people into financial ruin, because the out of pocket costs may be a barrier for them to even be going and doing some of their follow up care.
"But they can't go back into the breast screen program, where it is free, until it has been five years post a diagnosis."
About 100 people attended the BCNA forum at Launceston Conference Centre on Saturday.
Aimed at highlighting the medical, physical and emotional aspects of living well after a breast cancer diagnosis, people travelled from as far as Burnie and Hobart to attend the event.
Based on the feedback, Ms Pilatti said the BCNA would be writing to Premier Will Hodgman, calling for mammography services to be made available at both Launceston General and Royal Hobart hospitals.
"I have been with BCNA for 13 years and we have been advocating for free mammography services the entire time," she said.
"It has been going on for too long.
"I think it is about time there was some action on these issues."
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