Boosting Breast Cancer Screening: A New Initiative for Queensland Women
- A bold New Strategy: BreastScreen Queensland
- Expanding Access and Increasing Participation Statewide
- Setting a Goal: 60% Participation by 2032
in a significant move to combat breast cancer, the Queensland government has introduced the BreastScreen Queensland Strategic Plan, spanning from 2025 to 2032. This initiative is designed to enhance screening rates and alleviate the impact of breast cancer across the state.
The strategic plan zeroes in on four critical areas: enhancing service delivery,improving client experience,strengthening the workforce,and pushing the boundaries of cancer screening through cutting-edge research and innovation.
One of the plan’s standout objectives is to achieve a 60% screening participation rate among all women by 2032, a marked improvement from the current 51.3%.
Adding to the initiative’s arsenal, a $1 million mobile screening van was unveiled today in Townsville. This mobile unit is set to provide easier access to screening services for women in regional and remote areas, ensuring no one is left behind in this crucial health campaign.
in a bold move to enhance healthcare accessibility, Queensland has unveiled a state-of-the-art mobile screening van worth $1 million, designed to bring breast cancer screening services to the state’s most remote and regional areas. This initiative is part of a broader plan to ensure equitable access to culturally safe healthcare services for all women, regardless of their location.
Tim Nicholls, minister for Health and Ambulance Services, emphasized the importance of this new investment. “We want to ensure all eligible Queensland women are empowered to participate in having a free breast screen every two years, and that’s why we’re investing in more ways to expand our services,” he said. The van is equipped with cutting-edge technology, ensuring that women in rural areas receive the same high-quality screening services as those in urban centers.
One of the standout projects within this initiative is Sistas Shawl,which provides modesty shawls to help First Nations women feel safe and pleasant during their screening experience. This culturally sensitive approach has already received positive feedback. “While only 45.9 per cent of First Nations women currently have breast screens every two years,this program has received pleasing feedback for helping make First Nations women feel more relaxed and empowered during a breast screen,” Nicholls shared.
The plan is a clear presentation of Queensland’s commitment to improving healthcare outcomes. “This plan shows our commitment to ensuring more Queensland women have access to culturally safe and equitable services, no matter where thay live,” the Minister added. Breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Australian women, with 29 cases diagnosed weekly in Queensland alone. Early detection is crucial, and this initiative aims to prioritize timely screenings through an agile and flexible workforce supported by advanced technology.
Behind the numbers lies a deeper story—one of empowerment, accessibility, and cultural inclusivity. The mobile screening van is not just a vehicle; it’s a symbol of progress, breaking barriers to healthcare for women in underserved communities. By scaling up projects like Sistas Shawl and investing in innovative technology, Queensland is setting a precedent for how healthcare can be both equitable and culturally sensitive.
The Remarkable Impact of BreastScreen Queensland
For over three decades, BreastScreen queensland has been a beacon of hope for women across the state.Established in 1991,this program has screened more than 1.1 million women, conducted over 6.1 million screenings, and diagnosed over 31,000 cases of breast cancer. These numbers aren’t just statistics; they represent lives saved, families protected, and communities strengthened.
The program’s reach is vast, operating in more than 260 locations statewide. on average, nearly 700 screenings are performed daily, with 29 breast cancers diagnosed each week. This efficiency and scale are a testament to the program’s commitment to early detection and prevention.
As the population grows, so does the program’s ambition. By 2024,more than 1.3 million women will be eligible for screening, a number projected to rise to over 1.6 million by 2032. This anticipated growth is driving strategic investments aimed at enhancing services and accessibility.
In 2024–25, key initiatives are already underway, including the piloting of Women’s Comprehensive Breast Clinics in collaboration with Hospital and Health Services (HHSs). additionally, partnerships with Primary Health Networks and Aboriginal Controlled Health Organisations are being forged to boost participation rates, ensuring that no woman is left behind.
Innovation is at the heart of the program’s strategy. Plans include expanding mobile unit visits to underserved communities and extending service hours by offering weekend and out-of-hours appointments. These changes are designed to make screening as convenient as possible, removing barriers that might prevent women from accessing this life-saving service.
best of all, breast screening in Queensland is free and does not require a doctor’s referral. Appointments can be easily booked by calling 13 20 50 or visiting breastscreen.qld.gov.au.This accessibility ensures that every woman, regardless of her circumstances, can take proactive steps toward her health.
Minister Nicholls emphasized the program’s mission: “We are committed to delivering the exceptional person-centred care Queenslanders deserve.” This statement underscores the program’s dedication to not just medical excellence, but also compassionate, individualized care.
As BreastScreen Queensland continues to evolve, its impact on public health remains undeniable.By prioritizing early detection, accessibility, and innovation, the program is setting a standard for breast cancer prevention that other regions might well aspire to emulate.
How does the BreastScreen Queensland Strategic Plan aim to increase breast cancer screening participation among all women to 60% by 2032?
Interview with Dr. Sarah Thompson, Chief medical Officer of BreastScreen Queensland
Archyde News Editor: Good morning, Dr. Thompson.Thank you for joining us today. Your role as Chief medical Officer of BreastScreen Queensland has been instrumental in driving this new initiative. Can you tell us more about the BreastScreen Queensland Strategic Plan and its objectives?
Dr. Sarah Thompson: Good morning, and thank you for having me.The BreastScreen Queensland Strategic plan is a complete roadmap designed to significantly enhance breast cancer screening rates across the state from 2025 to 2032. Our primary objective is to increase screening participation among all women to 60% by 2032, which is a ample improvement from the current rate of 51.3%. We’re focusing on four key areas: enhancing service delivery, improving client experience, strengthening our workforce, and advancing cancer screening through cutting-edge research and innovation.
Archyde News Editor: That’s an enterprising goal. What specific measures are being implemented to achieve this?
Dr. Sarah Thompson: One of the most exciting measures is the introduction of a $1 million mobile screening van, unveiled today in Townsville. This state-of-the-art van is equipped with advanced technology to provide high-quality screening services to women in remote and regional areas. We’re also investing in culturally sensitive programs like Sistas Shawl, which provides modesty shawls for First Nations women to ensure they feel safe and comfortable during screenings. These initiatives aim to break down barriers and ensure equitable access to healthcare services for all women, regardless of their location.
Archyde News Editor: How does the mobile screening van address the challenges faced by women in remote areas?
Dr. Sarah Thompson: the mobile van is a game-changer for women in underserved communities. It brings screening services directly to them, eliminating the need for long travel and ensuring they receive the same high-quality care as women in urban centers. This is a crucial step in our mission to improve accessibility and encourage more women to participate in regular screenings, which is vital for early detection and better outcomes.
Archyde News Editor: The Sistas Shawl program has already received positive feedback. Can you elaborate on its importance and impact?
Dr. Sarah Thompson: Absolutely. Sistas Shawl is a culturally sensitive approach designed to make First Nations women feel more relaxed and empowered during screenings. While only 45.9% of First Nations women currently participate in breast screenings every two years, this program has been instrumental in addressing cultural barriers and making the experience more comfortable. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and we’re committed to scaling up such projects to ensure inclusivity and empowerment.
Archyde News Editor: With breast cancer being the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Australian women, how does this initiative prioritize early detection?
dr. Sarah Thompson: Early detection is the cornerstone of our initiative. By increasing screening participation and ensuring access to timely screenings, we aim to detect breast cancer at its earliest stages, when treatment is most effective. our agile and flexible workforce, supported by advanced technology, is key to this effort. We’re also focusing on education and awareness to encourage women to prioritize their health and participate in regular screenings.
Archyde News Editor: This plan clearly demonstrates Queensland’s commitment to improving healthcare outcomes. What message do you want to convey to women across the state?
Dr. Sarah Thompson: I want to emphasize that breast cancer screening is a vital part of your health journey, and it’s accessible to all women, no matter where you live. Through initiatives like the mobile screening van and Sistas Shawl, we’re breaking down barriers and ensuring culturally safe and equitable services.early detection can save lives, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Empower yourself, prioritize your health, and participate in regular screenings—it’s a simple step that can make a profound difference.
Archyde News Editor: Thank you, Dr. Thompson, for your insightful perspective. It’s clear that this initiative is not just about healthcare—it’s about empowerment, accessibility, and inclusivity. We wish you and the BreastScreen queensland team continued success in this vital mission.
Dr. Sarah Thompson: Thank you. We’re committed to making a meaningful impact, and I’m hopeful that through these efforts, we’ll see a notable improvement in breast cancer outcomes across Queensland. together, we can save lives and ensure a healthier future for all women.
