Push to increase cancer screening

National Reconciliation

Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements and to explore how everyone can contribute to a more just, equitable and reconciled country.

“Cancer Council NSW is committed to reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” said Natalia Arnas from Cancer Council NSW – Western Sydney.

“This year’s theme is Be a Voice for Generations and our voice is to support and improve the health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across NSW by creating culturally safe and responsive programs and services.”

Cancer Council NSW is committed to supporting improved cancer screening participation rates in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in order to reduce the inequalities in cancer outcomes.

Uncle Colin Locke opened the Penrith Relay for Life on Saturday, May 27 with a Welcome to Country and would like to encourage all people to do the Bowel Screening test kit when it comes in the mail. Uncle Colin was able to get in early and have polyps removed before it turned into cancer when he received a positive result recently.

Bowel cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia but 90 per cent of bowel cancers can be successfully treated if detected early, which is why it’s vital we improve screening rates.

Arnas said that low screening rates is likely to be a reason bowel cancer survival is lower for Indigenous Australians than for non-Indigenous Australians.

Nepean Community & Neighbourhood Services 4721 8520 nepeancommunity.org.au

Greater Western Aboriginal Health Service 4729 7300 27-29 Lawson St, Penrith

Muru Mittigar 4730 0400 murumittigar.com.au

KARI Aboriginal Resources (02) 8782 0333 kari.org.au

Aboriginal Home Care 1300 973 058 australianunity.com.au

NSW Aboriginal Affairs 1800 019 998 aboriginalaffairs.nsw.gov.au

Aboriginal Land Council (02) 9689 4444

“Screening rates are lower in First Nations communities due to multiple barriers to access. There has, however, been some progress, with a pathway codesigned and co-delivered with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups. We need to do more of what works, to reduce disparities in bowel cancer survival,” she said.

“We’re here to support everyone to reduce their cancer risk and get the information and support they need. If you’ve got a bowel cancer screening kit sitting in the drawer, don’t delay. Take the test because it could save your life.”

Cancer Council NSW is excited to announce the launch of their new Aboriginal Portal, the home of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander tailored information about cancer, staying healthy, getting support, and stories that are being shared by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders who have been affected by cancer.

Service NSW 13 77 88 service.nsw.gov.au