Cancer Screening and Prevention
Cancer is now the leading cause of disease burden in Australia, surpassing cardiovascular disease. On average, one in two men and one in three women will be diagnosed with some form of cancer during their lifetime (Cancer Institute NSW). Improving cancer screening participation and reducing modifiable risk factors are key public health priorities.
The role of primary healthcare
Primary healthcare clinicians are essential in all national cancer screening programs. MPHN works alongside general practice and other healthcare stakeholders to:
Increase screening rates
Reduce the prevalence of cancer risk factors
Integrate cancer-focused strategies into chronic disease management, quality improvement, practice systems, and accreditation processes.
Focus areas
MPHN supports improved participation in the four national cancer screening programs including cervical cancer, breast cancer, bowel cancer and lung cancer.
We also support initiatives for skin cancer prevention and smoking cessation, aligning with national strategies to reduce cancer incidence across the region.
HealthPathways screening links
Cancer screening
Prostate cancer screening
Breast cancer screening
Cervical screening
Lung cancer screening
Bowel cancer screening
Resources and important links
Further cancer screening resources
Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
Cancer Overview
Cancer Screening Resources
Cancer Council Australia
Main Website
For Health Professionals
Clinical Guidelines
Cancer Institute NSW
cancer.nsw.gov.au
Helping Mob Live Healthy and Prevent Cancer Toolkit
CONTACT
Georgina Maher
Primary Care Engagement Officer
georgina.maher@mphn.org.au
02 69 317 822
Last updated 24/06/2025