BreastScreen Victoria 2014-16 participation statistics showed 3566 women completed their regular screen at the organisation’s Horsham clinic, which was a participation rate of 57.3 per cent.

Outer regional Victoria had the highest rate, followed by inner regional areas such as Warrnambool and Bendigo, with 55.4 per cent.

The statewide participation rate is 53.6 per cent.

Horsham chief radiographer Kristy Paine said while the clinic’s numbers were higher than the state average, there was still lots of appointments available.

“We have room for lots more women to come and get screened,” she said.

BreastScreen Victoria chief executive Vicki Pridmore said it wasn’t unusual for women in urban areas to have lower screening rates.

“Community diversity and lifestyle factors all play a role in these lower rates,” she said.

“It forces us to think about how we can provide a more flexible service.”

Ms Pridmore said the breast screening experience was different for every woman.

“BreastScreen Victoria works hard to provide a service that is culturally sensitive to women’s needs and expectations,” she said.

Ms Paine encouraged all Wimmera women aged between 50 and 74 to be screened regularly.

“It takes 10 minutes,” she said. Ms Paine said people could call 13 20 50 or make an appointment online.