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Cancer Screening
Our PHN's region ranks 14th overall (out of 31 PHNs) for participation in the National Cancer Screening Program. The region is slightly below the national percentage for screening for breast and bowel cancer, and is significantly below the national percentage for cervical cancer screening.
We provide support to health professionals and the community to increase access to timely screening services for people living in our region.
How We Support Primary Care
We can support your practice with:
The National Screening Programs
Click on the buttons below for more information about the National Cervical and Bowel Screening Programs, and BreastScreen Queensland.
Cervical Screening
Cervical Screening
The National Cervical Screening Program aims to prevent cervical cancer by detecting early changes in the cervix. Eighty per cent of cervical cancer occurs in women who have never screened or don’t screen regularly.
In December 2017, the Cervical Screening Test replaced the Pap test which detects infection with human papillomavirus (known as HPV) and should be undertaken every five years.
How your practice can encourage patients to participate
- Displaying brochures, flyers and posters - click here to order resources
- Sending reminders to eligible patients.
For more information about what this change means for your general practice, click here.
Bowel Screening
Bowel Cancer Screening
The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) aims to continue to reduce deaths from bowel cancer through early detection or prevention of the disease.
In 2019, the program expanded to offer screening every two years to every Australian aged 50 to 74 years old using the new immunochemical faecal occult blood test (iFOBT) kit and associated pathology services which were introduced on 2 January 2018.
How your practice can encourage patients to participate
- Display brochures, flyers and posters - click here to order resources.
- Talk to your patients aged 50 to 74 years old about completing the free bowel cancer test kit
- Send a letter to 49 year old patients to encourage participation - download the template letter here.
- Demonstrate how to use a test kit - kits can be ordered by emailing NBCSP@health.gov.au
For more information about the role of general practice in bowel cancer screening, click here.
Breast Screening
Breast Screening
BreastScreen Queensland provides free screening and assessment for eligible women every two years. The screening program is specifically designed to actively encourage women aged 50 to 74 years to attend regular screening as the evidence of screening benefit is strongest in this age group. However, the program also accepts women in their 40s or 75 years and over.
For more information, click here.
Helpful Links and Resources
We've compiled a list of helpful links and resources for you to access.
Cervical Cancer Screening
Bowel Cancer Screening
Department of Health and NPS MedicineWise
Department of Health and NPS MedicineWise have developed Cervical Screening Online Training Modules. The modules are accredited for CPD points with RACGP, ACRRM, ACN, ACM and APNA.
RACGP
Royal Australian College of General Practitioners’ (RACGP) Guidelines for preventive activities in general practice.
Cancer Council Australia
Guidelines for the Management of Screen-Detected Abnormalities, Screening in Specific Populations and Investigation of Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding (2016 Guidelines).
Department of Health
Information about the National Cervical Cancer Screening Program, including resources and guides for healthcare providers.
RACGP
GP education series for the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program designed to provide GPs with a simplified approach to the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program.
National Health and Medical Research Council
The National Health and Medical Research Council approved Clinical Guidelines for the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program.
Indigenous Bowel Screen
Resources to assist GPs and health care providers have a culturally appropriate conversation with their patients about the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program.
Get Support
For more information, please contact:
Primary Care Engagement Team
Email: practicesupport@ddwmphn.com.au
