Breast and cervical cancer in indigenous women : overcoming barriers to early detection

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have a higher incidence of cervical cancer and poorer outcomes for breast and cervical cancer than nonindigenous women. This article reports on a project that aimed to implement and evaluate strategies to improve general practitioner early detection of breast and cervical cancer in this group. In three sites a female indigenous worker and female GP developed and implemented local plans aimed to improve service coordination and access, GP knowledge, recall systems, and health promotion. Evaluation included analysis of qualitative and quantitative data from project reports and surveys. Project officers and partners identified collaboration between service providers, community participation in planning and delivery, an indigenous health worker raising awareness in both the women and GPs, and a female GP providing a holistic service as important factors in project success. Increased cervical screening was documented in one site and a trend toward increased breast and cervical screening in another. Partnerships involving community members planning and implementing evidence based strategies may improve participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in breast and cervical cancer screening.