Cancer screening

Find out more about cancer screening and national programs

National cervical screening program learning modules
- This comprehensive set of online learning modules provide healthcare providers with information on the following areas
  - Communicating the importance of screening and test results to patients
  - Changes to the National Cervical Screening Program
  - Changes to practice and the cervical screening clinical pathway
Cancer Screening Education for General Practitioners: Bowel, Breast and Cervical
- An all-in-one online hub with the latest, up-to-date information, tools and resources on the three cancer screening programs to support GPs.
  - Access critical, up to date information 24/7
  - Learn at your own pace
  - Earn CPD points
  - Ask an expert forum

The National Cervical Screening Program aims to reduce illness and death from cervical cancer. Women aged 25 to 74 years of age are invited to have a cervical screening test every 5 years.

Resources

Health Pathways:
Cancer Council – Cervical cancer: Contains information on types of cervical cancer, risk factors, symptoms, diagnoses, treatment, prognosis, support and resources.

National bowel cancer screening program

The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program aims to reduce deaths from bowel cancer by detecting the early signs of the disease. Eligible Australians from 50-74 years of age are sent a free, simple test that is done at home.

Resources

Health Pathways:
Bowel Cancer Australia – What is bowel cancer: Contains information on prevention, risk factors, screening, symptoms, diagnosis, staging, prognosis, treatment and support.
National Indigenous Bowel Screening Pilot: This pilot program aimed to encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to do the bowel screening test. It provided resources for families and communities, and primary health care professionals participating in the pilot program.

BreastScreen Australia program

The BreastScreen Australia Program aims to reduce illness and death from breast cancer by detecting the disease early. Women aged 50 to 74 years of age are invited to have a free screening mammogram every 2 years.

Resources

Health Pathways:
BreastScreen Queensland – Health professionals: Contains information and resources to help support health professionals in recommending and promoting breast screening.
BreastScreen Queensland Sunshine Coast: Contains information about the service, breast health (Q and A), information for health professionals, ordering resources and volunteering.

General resources and education

True Self-Collection in Cervical Screening Update July 2022
National Cancer Screening Register – clinical software integration
- Healthcare providers can access the National Cancer Screening Register (NCSR) via the Healthcare Provider Portal, or by integration with clinical software (BP, MD, Communicare).
  Functions and benefits include ability to check patient screening information, update details, manage participation, view correspondence and submit forms.
  Practices can book a support session to help with software integration.
Cancer Screening and prevention (Queensland Government): Contains a wide range of information and resources related to cancer screening and prevention.
RACGP Red Book Early detection of cancers: Guidelines for preventive activities in general practice, specifically the early detection of cancers.
Cancer Screening Education for General Practitioners: Bowel, Breast and Cervical
An all-in-one online hub with the latest, up-to-date information, tools and resources on the three cancer screening programs to support GPs.
- Access critical, up to date information 24/7
- Learn at your own pace
- Earn CPD points
- Ask an expert forum
National Cervical Screening Program Learning Modules
This comprehensive set of online learning modules provide healthcare providers with information on the following areas:
- - Communicating the importance of screening and test results to patients
  - Changes to the National Cervical Screening Program
  - Changes to practice and the cervical screening clinical pathway
  - Earn CPD points for each module completed
NBSCP and Australia Primary Health Care Nurses Association (APNA) Bowel cancer education
Resources and education to increase primary health care nurses engagement with the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program with the goal of increasing program participation.

About cancer screening

Cancer screening can detect cancers before any symptoms emerge. Simple screening tests can detect cancer early by looking for particular changes and early signs.

Australia has national cancer screening programs for cervical, bowel and breast cancer. Information and resources about cancer and cancer screening programs are available from the Department of Health website.

CQWBSC PHN works with primary health care providers to increase their capacity to promote cancer screening and support patients to access cancer screening services and initiatives.