3 Breast screening helps save lives by finding breast cancer early when it’s easier to treat. A regular breast screen can help detect very small breast cancers that can’t be seen or felt by a woman or her doctor. Screening is most effective for women aged between 50 and 74 years who are encouraged to have a breast screen (screening mammogram) every two years. Nationally, participation in the BreastScreen program is typically lower for First Nations women compared to nonIndigenous women. BreastScreen Queensland (BSQ) is committed to increasing uptake across the state and providing accessible breast screening services that are inclusive, welcoming, and culturally safe. A local Sistas Shawl initiative is helping to encourage more women to participate in screening, particularly those who had never been screened before or were overdue. A Sistas Shawl is a modesty shawl, that can be worn or held during a breast screen, offered to BSQ clients who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander when they attend their appointment at local permanent and mobile clinics. Locally, many First Nations women are taking the opportunity to book in for this important health check. Sistas Shawls boost screening uptake by First Nations women BSQ offers free breast screens for people aged 40 and older who were assigned female at birth, identify or present as female. Services are located at Burleigh Waters, Helensvale, Robina, and Southport. A mobile unit is visiting Eagleby until mid-July and Pimpama in July and August. An appointment can be made by: • Phoning BSQ on 13 20 50 • Visiting breastscreen.qld.gov.au/ make-an-appointment or • Scanning the QR code to book online. In the previous two years, a record number of First Nations women (almost 1000) have attended BreastScreen Queensland Gold Coast Service, many accessing BSQ for the first time. The Sistas Shawl helps women to feel more comfortable and culturally safe during their visit, while providing a sense of connection to community. The initiative is also assisting to boost awareness about breast screening and other local services available. For more information on this initiative visit goldcoast.health.qld.gov.au and search for “Sistas Shawl”. Scan to book a free breast screen today!
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