Screening and Early Detection

Our Screening Early Detection and Immunisation team has a strong focus on increasing screening rates in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations.

Cancer Screening

We work with community and health workers to increase their awareness of the four current national cancer screening programs:

• National Cervical Screening Program: A test every five years for all women and people with a cervix between the ages of 25 – 74
• National Bowel Cancer Screening Program: A test every two years for all people between the ages of 45 – 74
• Lung Cancer Screening Program: A test that looks for lung cancer in high-risk people without any symptoms.
• Breast Screen Victoria: All eligible people between the ages of 50 – 74 are invited to screen every two years. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and gender diverse peoples can opt in to screen from the age of 40.

The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) causes almost all causes of cervical cancer. Having the HPV vaccine can greatly reduce your changes of developing cervical cancer and other HPV related cancers.

The HPV vaccine is offered free to all Victorian Year 7 boys and girls at school.

We are working with health and education workers to make it easier for Aboriginal teens and their families to know more about the HPV vaccine, and get the free vaccine either at school or through a community provider.

If you are unsure if you or your child has had the HPV vaccine, or completed all doses, call the HPV register on 1800 478 734.

To see if the HPV vaccine is right for you, speak with your Aboriginal health worker, doctor or nurse, or get more information at www.hpvvaccine.org.au.

For further information regarding cancer screening, early detection and / or immunisation email: screening.engagement@cancervic.org.au