The Putuwa project was developed to improve breast cancer outcomes for Aboriginal women in NSW by increasing participation in breast screening. Breast screening plays an important role in detecting cancer earlier, when treatment is most effective. In NSW, Aboriginal women are more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer than non-Aboriginal women and at a younger age, while participation in breast screening has historically been lower.
The Cancer Institute NSW, which coordinates BreastScreen NSW, delivered the Putuwa project with support from the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council of NSW. The project builds on partnerships with Aboriginal communities, organisations and services to make breast screening more accessible, culturally welcoming and responsive to the needs of Aboriginal women.
The project included lowering the recommended starting age for screening from 50 to 40 years and raising awareness of this important change. Targeted information, invitations and resources were developed specifically for Aboriginal women, while partnerships with Aboriginal organisations and services were expanded. Cultural awareness training for BreastScreen NSW staff was also strengthened to support culturally safe and welcoming screening experiences.
During the first two years of the Putuwa project’s implementation, the number of Aboriginal women in NSW aged 40–74 accessing breast screening for the first time increased by 91%.
