People from diverse backgrounds came together at Morwell Neighbourhood House to learn about the importance of regular breast screening at a dedicated information session for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities.
The session, delivered by BreastScreen Victoria in May, was attended by 28 participants and provided information about the free screening program available to eligible people aged 50 to 74 without breast cancer symptoms. People in this age group are encouraged to have a free breast screen, or mammogram, every two years. Attendees also had an opportunity to make a booking for a breast screen appointment with a local service.
This initiative was delivered in collaboration with Latrobe Community Health Service’s Multicultural Health Team, BreastScreen Victoria, Morwell Neighbourhood House and Gippsland Multicultural Services and helped support improved understanding of breast screening and access to preventive health care for multicultural communities in Gippsland.
Breast cancer one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in Australia, highlighting the importance of early detection.
A breast screen is a low-dose X-ray of the breast that can detect cancers too small to be felt. Early detection significantly increases the chances of successful treatment and recovery.
The information session was part of Gippsland PHN’s Multicultural Access program, which supported people from migrant and multicultural backgrounds to better understand and navigate the health system.
Through this work, Gippsland PHN partnered with local health providers, community leaders and organisations to support safe, inclusive and culturally responsive approaches to preventive health care.
Gippsland PHN continues to work in partnership with local health providers, community leaders and organisations to strengthen culturally responsive care and improve health outcomes for multicultural communities across the region.
For more information about the free breast screening program, visit BreastScreen Victoria’s website or read the information sheet.
Materials translated into a wide range of languages are also available from BreastScreen Victoria.
Pictured left to right: Cher Jimenez, Morwell Neighbourhood House; Derya Demirol, Gippsland Multicultural Services; Candace Nazareth, Gippsland PHN and Anita Ukah, Latrobe Community Health Service.
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