A six-month cancer screening incentive scheme in South Western Sydney has wound up, with a final progress report highlighting positive responses from the community and several success stories.
SWSPHN partnered with Gandangara Health Services (GHS) in March to promote cancer awareness and screenings among the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
The incentive scheme contributed to detecting potential cancers among community members, and other concerns including hepatitis C.
Giftcards were offered as an incentive to encourage engagement and participation in screenings for breast cancer, cervical cancer, bowel cancer and hepatitis C, and skin checks and vaccinations.
One female who attended the breast screening morning tea was recalled for further testing. With the encouragement of clinic staff, she went to a follow-up appointment and was booked in for emergency surgery.
The woman said she was grateful to the team for inviting her to the screening and taking swift and decisive follow-up action.
A male attended a skin clinic and during his screening had several growths removed. The gentleman held a common misconception people with darker skin didn’t have to worry about skin cancer. He was surprised he had suspicious skin growths and was thankful they were detected early. The man said if he hadn’t come to the accompanying barbecue and booked into the skin check clinic, he would never have gotten checked.
GHS used community engagement and regular gathering opportunities to promote the cancer screening incentive scheme and encourage attendance.
A community gathering in August had a cancer awareness theme, breast screening coincided with an educational Yarning Circle, cervical self-test screening was held in conjunction with an education pamper day and community gathering, and barbecues were great opportunities for skin checks.