Cancer Screening
Cancer is the leading cause of death across the world and estimated to be the leading cause of burden of disease in Australia. Screening programs aim to reduce the incidence and mortality from cancer.
Cancer Screening Quality Improvement Initiaitive
We are seeking practices who have a passion for preventative health to help drive improvement in cancer screening rates in the region. To find out more about the program, visit our EOI page.
BreastScreen NSW
BreastScreen NSW provides state-wide free screening mammography and assessment services. BreastScreen NSW actively targets asymptomatic women aged 50 to 74 years for a free screening mammogram every 2 years. However, women over the age of 40 are also eligible to attend the service.
GPs play an important role in providing support and encouragement to patients to participate in screening. BreastScreen NSW locations in our region include a permanent Sunflower clinic within Myer, Penrith Westfields and a Sunflower Clinic at Blue Mountains Hospital in Katoomba. Mobile Vans also visit our region.
- MYER Penrith: 585 High St Penrith, NSW 2750
- Blue Mountains: Blue Mountains Hospital, Ground Floor, Cnr Woodlands Road and Great Western Hwy, Katoomba - Print poster.
- Mobile Van, Windsor: Hawkesbury District Hospital, 2 Day St, Windsor - Upcoming dates to be confirmed.
Call 132 050 or visit BreastScreen NSW to book.
Find out more about the crucial role Health Professionals play in supporting women to have regular breast screenings. BreastScreen NSW has a variety of resources available to use in your practice.
National Bowel Cancer Screening Program
The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) invites Australian’s between the ages of 50-74 to screen for bowel cancer at home using a free kit. GPs are encouraged to discuss bowel screening with patients aged 50 years and over. Patients who receive a positive test result are advised to contact their doctor to discuss results and any further tests. National Bowel Cancer Screening Program participants will now have their bowel screening results uploaded to My Health Record.
National Cervical Screening Program
On 1 July 2022 new changes came into effect regarding self-collection for cervical screening. Self-collection is now available as an option to all people with a cervix. The National Cervical Screening Program recommends that all women aged between 25 - 74 have a cervical screening test every five years instead of a Pap test every two years. The Cervical Screening Test is more accurate than the Pap test and looks for the types of human papillomavirus (HPV) which can cause cells to change and, in some cases, cause cervical cancer.
Cervical Screening tests can be performed by GPs and nurses from general practices, Community/Women’s Health Centres, Family Planning Centres, Sexual Health Clinics, Aboriginal Medical Service and Gynaecologist/Specialist Clinics.
General practices can register as a cervical screening provider to let women in your area know that you provide Cervical Screening Tests by including your details in the Cervical Screening Test provider directory.
The National Cancer Screening Register
The National Cancer Screening Register (NCSR) supports the National Cervical Screening Program, and the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program, by providing healthcare providers and patients access to programs that make it easuer for patients to take control of their own health.
GPs can access results from the National Cancer Screening Register (NCSR) through integration with their clinical software. Find out more on the NCSR website.
