A state first for multicultural breast health
Shora Gurung, Anna Voloschenko and Sailu Pradhan were willing supporters of the launch of a new state wide breast health guide for women from Culturally and Linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Women from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds will be able to make more informed decisions about their breast health thanks to a unique, new resource that has been launched.
Your guide to Breast Health is an illustrated resource which has been developed for women by women of CALD backgrounds whose first language is not English, and for most who have fled their home country due to civil unrest or fear of persecution.
Metro North Hospital and Health Service Board Member Dr Margaret Steinberg AM welcomed the new resource which was coordinated by the BreastScreen Queensland Brisbane Northside Service in partnership with the local CALD community.
“Around 10 per cent of people in the Metro North catchment area are born overseas and whose first language is not English,” Dr Steinberg said.
“Research indicates that breast cancer screening from women in the CALD community in Australia is significantly lower than in the general population.
“We hope that by using this resource, these women will have a better understanding of what’s involved in having a breast screen and why it is important to be breast aware.
“Your guide to Breast Health will be available to all eleven BreastScreen Queensland Services in Queensland and also distributed to Metro North GPs.”
The new resource kit contains a culturally appropriate illustrated book, as well as brochures translated into 11 different languages as requested by the health providers and CALD community.
Director of Breastscreen Queensland Brisbane Northside Service Dr Jane Brazier said breast cancer was the most common cancer diagnosed in Australian women, with around one in eight developing breast cancer in their lifetime.
“A breastscreen is the most effective way to detect breast cancer in its early stages,” Dr Brazier said.
BreastScreen Queensland provides free, high-quality breast cancer screening for women aged 40 years and over. Women aged 50 to 74 years are strongly recommended to attend for a breastscreen every two years.
Make the time for yourself – phone 13 20 50 for your free breast screen today or book online at www.breastscreen.qld.gov.au