After consulting with several Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) and the wider Aboriginal community in Victoria, the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) and the Australian Centre for Prevention of Cervical Cancer (ACPCC) collaborated on cervical screening resources. These resources add a positive, culturally safe and confidential option for the community during a cervical screen, which is private and sensitive by nature.
The aim of this project is to offer Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and people with a cervix the option of receiving one of two resources depending on whether they choose or require the clinician-collected cervical screening option, or participate in the self-collection option.
If they choose or require the clinician-collected option, community members will be offered a stunning Aboriginal-designed towel during their consultation; this can be draped over them during their screen, adding modesty and a feeling of safety.
For those who participate in the self-collection option, they will be offered a stunning Aboriginal-designed pouch during their cervical screening consultation, with the self-collection kit inside; this offers privacy for individuals who may take their self-collection kit from the consultation room to the clinic bathroom and back; this addresses the reported issue of being seen by other community members when holding the otherwise transparent cervical screening specimen bag.
The resources feature Yorta Yorta, Dja Dja Wurrung and Gamilaroi artist Madison Connors’ artwork, which celebrates Aboriginal culture, women’s strength, and women’s control over their own health.
 |
 |
 |
*Artwork by Madison Connors | Yorta Yorta, Dja Dja Wurrung and Gamilaroi
These resources can be kept by the community after cervical screening tests; they may be brought to any further consultations where screening results require follow up tests, or simply enjoyed at home.
Additional resources
-
- From the National Cervical Screening Program Guidelines:
To enquire, please email cancerjourneyteam@vaccho.org.au or call 03 9411 9411.
Disclaimer: This article was provided by Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO). While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate, North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network does not warrant or represent the accuracy, currency and completeness of any information or material included within.
