Cervical screening saves lives. This is the clear message the Griffith Local Health Advisory Committee (LHAC) wishes to stress ahead of the free screening information day.
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Everyone at the committee has had personal brushes with this cancer, and while it doesn’t have the cult following of many other cancers, they say the old adage is true: prevention is the best cure.
The information event will be held on Monday October 30 at the Nurse’s Training School in Warrambool Street and will run from 10am until 4pm, with complimentary morning tea, lunch or afternoon tea provided.
LHAC Chair Margaret King and committee members Saideh Barlow and Yvonne Turnell are encouraging all women aged 18 to 69 to come along, as cervical cancer has no prejudice on age, ethnicity or religion.
“We thought this initiative will help to actively increase the screening rates. The funding was for bowel, breast or cervical cancer, and we thought the other two have a fair bit of publicity, so particularly focusing on the under-screened, those who have never had a pap smear or those who have left it for too long… to emphasis the importance of getting a screen every two years,” Ms King said.
The day aims to rid people of their reasons for not getting screened, be it fear, nervousness, shyness, financial, cultural or any other barriers.
“This is the perfect opportunity to ask those questions you have relating to your own personal situation,” Mrs Barlow said.
Ms Turnell has had a close brush with the cancer after a screen presented some anomalies. She said without the screening, she wouldn’t have known at all, as there are no outward symptoms or markers like there can be for others such as breast cancer.
So many people think it doesn't matter I feel fine, but it’s actually happening when you feel great.
- Griffith LHAC member Yvonne Turnell.
The three women encourage others to come along and hear female practitioners from Griffith Aboriginal Medical Service, Griffith Medical Centre, Kookora Surgery and Your Health Griffith providing information and support regarding cervical screening.
While there is no screening on the day, you have the option of making an appointment.
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Dr Tania Khan will be a special guest speaker on the day, and will outline comprehensive information at 11am and 2pm.
The day is supported by funding from the Australian Government under the Primary Health Network (PHN) Program, and is an initiative of the Griffith LHAC – voluntary community representatives advocating for the local community.
For more information about this event, please contact Ms King on 0409 815 901.
