$1000 available to each LHAC
Bowel, breast, and cervical screening rates in the Murrumbidgee and indeed Australia fall well below other developed nations and national targets. According to state and national cancer screening databases, between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2014, the cervical screening rate for eligible women living in the Murrumbidgee PHN was 58.9%.
Although higher than the national average, it is lower than 63.9% in Murray PHN which borders the Murrumbidgee with similar demographics. The breast screening rate was 59.1%, well below the national target of 70% among eligible women. Similarly, national bowel cancer screening program participation in the same period was 36%, lower than the national average and well below 44.6% in country South Australia, and 43.6% in Gippsland.
The Bowel, Breast, and Cervical Screening Program is designed to increase participation in all three cancer screening programs (bowel, breast, and cervical) as has been highlighted in the MPHN Primary Health Needs Assessment.
MPHN is working with BreastScreen NSW and some general practices to increase practice bowel, breast and cervical screening rates. Community pharmacies have been invited to apply for funding to assist with increasing screening participation rates in local communities.
Expression of Interest
MPHN has released expressions of interest to all Local Health Advisory Committees (LHACs) in the Murrumbidgee. $1,000 per LHAC is available to actively participate in the promotion of cancer screening. This is not a competitive process.
Activities may include, but are not limited to:
Flyers, brochures, signage and/or posters
Local, targeted social media advertising
Multimedia or newsprint promotion
Engaging a local ambassador or person with lived experience
Social event or morning tea
Collaborating with local GPs, community pharmacies, BreastScreen NSW and/or a neighbouring LHAC(s).
Applications demonstrating collaborative approaches with local health providers to increase cancer screening participation is encouraged. EoIs close 9 June 2017.
For more information please contact Julie.Redway@mphn.org.au
