Health professionals, community organisations and residents came together at the recent Cumberland Neighbourhood Networking event to explore how to improve cancer screening participation across the region.
Discussions focused on encouraging people to visit their GP and to feel confident sharing their experiences with family and friends.
The session, Strengthening Cancer Prevention, is the fifth in the Cumberland Neighbourhood series and forms part of WentWest’s place-based initiatives.
NSW data shows culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities consistently experience lower participation in bowel, breast and cervical screening programs, despite a higher cancer burden and access to effective national programs. [cancer.nsw.gov.au]
In the Cumberland region, more than half of residents were born overseas, and 65% speak a language other than English at home.
Attendees heard insights from Cancer Council NSW and Cancer Institute NSW on the factors influencing low participation and opportunities for improvement. Audience polling identified language barriers as the most significant challenge, with community-led education and expanded GP reminders highlighted as key solutions.
Jade Bridgeman, Community Coordinator at Cancer Council NSW, said conversations about cancer need to become part of everyday life.
“Normalising these conversations is important, as one in two people in Australia will be affected by cancer in their lifetime,” Ms Bridgeman said. “Reinforcing why early detection matters for outcomes and survival, alongside sharing stories, can help people see screening as a protective step for themselves and their loved ones.”
A panel discussion explored personal experiences and practical ways to support communities in better understanding cancer screening and increasing participation. Speakers included:
- Dr Sara Yusuf, General Practitioner
- Dr Usha Salagame, Pink Sari
- Dr Sue Kennedy, Breast Cancer Institute
Watch our short film from the evening to hear more about what drives low screening participation and how we can work together to improve it.
Following the event, attendees shared their intention to take information back to their networks and expressed high interest in joining an ongoing collaboration group. Further details will be shared soon.
WentWest thanks everyone who attended and acknowledges the support partners and organisations:
- Carers NSW
- Breast Cancer Institute/Breast Screen Sydney West
- Lung Foundation
- The Australian Multicultural Health Collaborative
- Medicare Mental Health Parramatta
- YourSide Australia (Care Finder)
- One Door
- Accessible Diversity Services Initiatives
- Cancer Institute NSW
- Cancer Council NSW
For more information and resources for cancer screening, visit: https://wentwest.com.au/health-professionals/programs-and-priorities/cancer-screening/
For questions about the event, contact: support@wentwest.com.au