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Aboriginal cancer screening videos
National cancer screening programs are available in Australia to detect bowel, breast and cervical cancer. These cancers are very treatable when found early.
Cancer screening tests are available free of charge to eligible people. The aim of cancer screening tests is to detect very early cancers in healthy individuals, who do not have symptoms. Research shows that these cancer screening tests are the best tools available for detecting breast, bowel, and cervical cancer early, saving more lives.
Cancer Council SA recommends:
- Men and women aged 45-74 complete a bowel screening home test kit through the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program every two years to find the early signs of bowel cancer.
– People aged 50-74 will be mailed a free home test kit every 2 years.
– People aged 45-49 can request their first home test kit is mailed to them. They will automatically be sent a home test kit every 2 years after completing their first test.
– The first home test kit can be requested through the National Cancer Screening Register website, by calling 1800 627 701, or from a doctor or Aboriginal Health Worker. - Women aged 40 and older, especially those aged 50-74, have a free mammogram with BreastScreen SA every two years to detect breast cancer early. Book an appointment by calling 13 20 50.
- Women and people with a cervix aged 25-74 have a Cervical Screening Test (sometimes called a Well Women’s Check) through a doctor’s clinic or women’s health clinic every five years to check the health of the cervix. Patients can now choose if they would like a clinician collected sample, or if they would prefer to do self-collection. Self-collection is just as effective at finding the human papillomavirus (HPV) as a clinician collected sample.
Find out more about self-collection
The videos below provide more information about the cancer screening programs and include tips on encouraging your clients to participate.
Bowel cancer screening video
Breast cancer screening video
Well Women’s check video
These videos were generously funded by Adelaide PHN and developed in collaboration with Wellbeing SA and the Aboriginal Health Council of SA
Top tips for creating a welcoming environment in your practice:
- display a symbol, such as flags, to show that your space is inclusive.
- undertake workplace cultural awareness training.
- spend time yarning with your clients to build rapport and trust.
- preface sensitive questions to allow your clients to prepare before responding.
- observe body language and facial expressions and rephrase comments or questions if needed.
- avoid using jargon, rushing and asking too many questions all at once.
- ensure clients understand their information is kept private and all conversations are confidential.
- respect the cultural sensitivities, ask clients whether they would prefer a male or female health worker.
For more information about the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program and the National Cervical Screening Program visit ncsr.gov.au.
For more information about having a breast screen visit breastscreen.sa.gov.au.