This program focuses on cervical cancer screening and skin cancer early detection
The image above was taken on Thursday Island, Torres Strait Islands
CheckUP Australia has received funding from the Northern Queensland Primary Health Network to deliver the North Queensland Cancer Prevention Program, improving access to cancer screening and early detection across Cairns, the Hinterland, Torres Strait and Cape York.
The program focuses on cervical cancer screening and skin cancer early detection, particularly for regional, rural and remote communities where distance, workforce availability, cost, health literacy and follow-up care can limit access.
CheckUP will work with local health services, general practitioners, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, Hospital and Health Services, community partners and other stakeholders to identify gaps, coordinate screening clinics, support health promotion activities, strengthen referral pathways and support culturally respectful, evidence-informed care.
The program will also build local workforce capability through training, upskilling and bursaries in areas such as dermoscopy, skin cancer procedures, cervical screening and HPV self-collection.
By improving access to prevention, screening and early detection, the program aims to reduce health gaps for under-screened and never-screened populations, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and communities with limited access to healthcare across Far North Queensland.