Evaluation of Nepean Blue Mountains Primary Health Network (NBMPHN) Cancer Screening Program

Cancer is a leading cause of death globally and is also the leading cause of disease burden in Australia, thus it has a significant social and economic impact on individuals, families and the community. National screening programs in Australia aim to detect breast, bowel and cervical cancer. Screening is free to all individuals in particular target groups, defined by age and gender, however barriers to engaging in cancer screening are common. The aim of the Nepean Blue Mountains Primary Health Network (NBMPHN) Cancer Screening Program is to work with primary health care providers and the local community to raise cancer screening rates across its four local government areas by targeting specific population groups where breast, cervical and bowel cancer screening participation rates are lower than NSW state averages. Commissioned and jointly funded by Wentworth Healthcare Limited and the Cancer Institute NSW, we conducted a qualitative study aimed at evaluating the implementation of the NBMPHN Cancer Screening Program. Thematic analysis of the interview data is included in Appendix A of the report.