Using art to get all our sistas checked
Yorta Yorta, Dja Dja Wurrung and Gamiloroi artist Madison Connors was commissioned by Cancer Council Victoria to create 12 unique art pieces to raise awareness about cervical screening among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
The Sistas Get Checked art show travelled to Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and Aboriginal Gathering Places across Victoria to showcase the artwork.
Gallery events have brought people together to celebrate Madison's work and encourage important conversations about cervical screening and early detection.
Watch the short video below if you’re interested to learn more about the meaning behind Madison's art and why cervical screening is important for your community.
Don’t delay, get checked sistas!
It’s important to look after ourselves, and this includes keeping our bodies healthy by getting health checks done. One of the regular tests that we should do is the Cervical Screening Test – it could save your life!
This test is for all women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 74 who have ever been sexually active. The Cervical Screening Test should be done every five years, starting at age 25.
You can choose how you have your next Cervical Screening Test. You can have your test done by a doctor or specially trained nurse, or you can self-collect your test using a small swab.
Speak to your Aboriginal Health Worker or call 13 11 20 to speak to a Cancer Council nurse about the test and how to schedule a Cervical Screening Test.
You can also check out Cancer Council Victoria’s directory of providers to find a cervical screening provider near you.
Learn more about the Cervical Screening Test and the self-collection option.
Feeling inspired? Here’s how you can get involved and help save lives
Want to make a difference and promote cervical screening to your community? You can host a Sistas Get Checked art show to help start important conversations about early detection and screening.
If you’re interested in hosting a Sistas Get Checked art show or a cervical screening education session in your community, please contact this email for more information: screening.engagement@cancervic.org.au.
Resources
If you’re a health professional working with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities, Sistas Get Checked artwork has been used to create several resources promoting cervical screening:
- Women’s Business flipchart – can be used by health professionals working with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities to talk about cervical screening during an appointment.
- Women’s Business booklet – can be given to community members to take home and learn about cervical screening in their own time.
- Talking to community about cervical screening – gives you the knowledge, skills and resources to support Community members in accessing cervical screening.
Acknowledgements
Cancer Council Victoria would like to thank and acknowledge the work of the artist Madison Connors and the following organisations that made this project possible.