Finalist: Excellence in Aboriginal Healthcare Award
In 2023, 39.7% of Aboriginal women aged 50-74 in Sydney Local Health District (SLHD) participated in breast screening, compared to 51.9% of all NSW women of that age.
To increase health literacy and participation among Aboriginal women in BreastScreen NSW and National Cervical Cancer Screening programs, SLHD created a culturally safe model, with advice from Aboriginal leadership and key partnerships with respected local organisations.
SLHD's Population Health, BreastScreen NSW and cancer services partnered with Aboriginal Health Workers and the Aboriginal Medical Service Redfern to co-design screening events held in Redfern during BreastScreen NSW mobile van visits. The events offered screening, health consultations, education, promotion, drop-in access, incentives and cultural activities.
The mobile van's Redfern 2024 and 2025 visits screened 56 and 34 Aboriginal women respectively. On event days in May 2024 and March 2025, there were 24 and 21 breast screens.
In 2024, SLHD breast screening rates for Aboriginal women aged 50-74 rose to 46%. This surpassed the NSW average for Aboriginal women of 45.2% and narrowed the gap with all NSW women to 51.6%. Expansion plans are underway.
Meet the other finalist for the Excellence in Aboriginal Healthcare Award.
