The NSW Government has awarded 11 Cervical Screening Community Engagement Grants totalling $1.6 million to improve screening rates in priority populations.
Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, with more than 70 per cent of cases occurring in people who have never been screened or are not up to date with their cervical screening.
The grants were awarded by The Cancer Institute NSW to develop tailored solutions to increase cervical screening in under-screened populations which include Aboriginal communities, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and LGBTQ+ communities.
Organisations will use the grants to develop culturally appropriate education, increase training for staff and identify priorities and tailor action plans to better reach groups who are under screened.
A Cervical Screening Test every five years is the best way to prevent cervical cancer. It's recommended for eligible people aged 25 to 74 who have ever been sexually active and is available at a range of locations, including medical centres, community health centres or sexual health clinics.
A quick and simple swab the test looks for a common infection called human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes almost all cervical cancers. Eligible people should have the screening test, even if they have had the HPV vaccination.
There are now two, equally effective options for doing the test, one is to have a healthcare provider collect a sample, the other is for people to collect their own sample, in private, at a medical centre, or at home if preferred.
For more information visit Cervical screening | Cancer Institute NSW.
More information about the Grants visit Cervical Screening Community Engagement Grants | Cancer Institute NSW.
Cervical Screening Engagement Grant recipients include:
- Armajun Aboriginal Health Service
- Bankstown Women's Health Centre
- KMG West Wyalong
- The University of Newcastle
- University of Technology Sydney
- Awabakal Medical Service
- CanRevive Inc
- COORDINARE, South Eastern NSW Primary Health Network
- Metro Assist
- Nourish Nation Foundation
- The Water Well Project.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:
"Australia is well on its way to be one of the first countries in the world to eliminate cervical cancer, however sadly in NSW this year 300 people are still expected to be diagnosed with this highly preventable disease.
"The NSW Government is proud to invest in grants to empower local communities to engage with under screened populations and support more people to do this life-saving test.
"A Cervical Screening Test every five years is the best way to prevent cervical cancer, and I urge all eligible people to prioritise the test which could save their lives."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Women Jodie Harrison:
"Cervical cancer claims the lives of hundreds of Australians each year - and yet it is preventable if detected early.
"These grants are so important to make sure that Aboriginal communities, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and LGBTIQ+ communities are aware of the tests available and to get tested. A test could save their lives, and I urge people to make it a priority."
Quotes attributable to NSW Chief Cancer Officer and CEO Cancer Institute NSW, Professor Tracey O'Brien AM:
"Cervical screening is key to reducing cervical cancer's impact on our community and we need to see more people take advantage of this life-saving test.
"These Cervical Screening Community Engagement Grants will resource local organisations to support under screened communities, boost cervical screening rates and improve health outcomes.
"Cervical screening has the power to save lives. The Test may be a confronting experience for some, but the alternative is far worse. I urge all eligible people to do the Test and reduce their risk of this deadly but preventable cancer."
Quotes attributable to Chief Executive Officer Armajun Aboriginal Health Service, Debbie McCowen
"There is a significant need to improve access to culturally safe, community-led health initiatives that address the ongoing systemic challenges faced by Aboriginal people across the New England region.
"This grant will enable us to build the capacity of our female Aboriginal Health Workers to lead a targeted cervical screening program, increase screening rates and deliver health education directly to homes by supporting self-collection for cervical screening, that is, a discreet, non-confrontational method.
"This initiative will play a vital role in breaking down barriers to traditional screening, empower women to take control of their health, and ultimately improve long term health outcomes across our communities."
