We’re committed to improving the cancer screening rates across the district with a focus on improving Cervical, Bowel and Breast screening rates where we currently fall below NSW state average.
National Cervical Screening Program Update
From 1 July 2022, all people who are eligible under the National Cervical Screening Program (NCSP) will have access to self-collection of their cervical screening test. Expanding the self-collection policy will offer women participating in the NCSP a choice to screen using either a self-collected sample or a clinician-collected sample, accessed through a health care provider.
This is also crucial in removing the cultural and personal barriers for women to screen, particularly in Aboriginal communities, culturally and linguistically diverse women, and gender and sexually diverse people.
Read more about this update on the Department of Health website.
Key Cancer Screening Programs
Cancer Screening rates (cervical, breast and bowel) are a National Headline Indicator for Primary Health Networks (PHN’s).
Evidence has shown that primary health care can have a significant impact on improving screening rates.
Key focus areas of PHN cancer screening activities are:
- Developing partnerships with primary care providers, clinicians and community.
- Supporting and enhancing primary care system capacity and capability through quality improvement initiatives.
- Enhancing Clinician skills and knowledge.
Population-based cancer screening programs can be an effective means to identify cancers in people with no symptoms, allowing early treatment and a reduction in illness and mortality.
Cancer screening programs for us include:
Progressing Health Now
Find out more about our other Services and Programs available for Western Sydney community members.
