The First Nations Cancer Screening Program supports First Nations peoples to participate in cancer screening activities across south eastern Melbourne.

What is the First Nations Cancer Screening Program?

The program focuses on three population-based cancer screening programs:

• Breast Screen Australia
• National Cervical Screening Program (NCSP)
• National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP)

The First Nations Cancer Screen Program, which employs Indigenous Health Promotion Officers:

• Develops and provides resource materials to promote awareness of the First Nations Cancer Screening Program and the three national cancer screening programs
• Increases awareness and understanding among community members of the three national cancer screening programs
• Promotes the cancer screening program among general practices as a referral pathway
• Provides practical support for community members to attend cancer screening appointments by offering services such as transport to/from appointments, making appointments, providing bowel screening kits and following up on the bowel screening process.

The Dandenong and District Aborigines Co-operative Ltd (DDACL) and Better Health Network (BHN) deliver a the First Nations Cancer screening program.

Why is this program needed?

SEMPHN’s Needs Assessment provides a comprehensive overview of health needs across south eastern Melbourne. The Needs Assessment identified low numbers of cancer screening participation among local First Nations peoples.

 Where is this service provided?

• DDACL provides the service in the local government areas (LGA) of:
• Greater Dandenong, Mornington Peninsula, Casey, Cardinia and Frankston.
• Better Health Network provides the service in the LGAs of:
• Stonnington, Port Phillip, Kingston, Glen Eira and Bayside City Council.