SEMPHN’s Needs Assessment provides a comprehensive overview of health needs across south eastern Melbourne. The Needs Assessment identified low numbers of cancer screening participation among local First Nations people.

The Dandenong and District Aborigines Co-operative Ltd (DDACL) and Star Health will deliver a cancer screening program that offers practical support with the aim to increase cancer screening participation among First Nations people. 

The program will focus on three population-based cancer screening programs:

• Breast Screen Australia 
• National Cervical Screening Program (NCSP) 
• National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP)

The First Nations Cancer Screen Program, which employs Indigenous Health Promotion Officers, will:

• Develop and provide resource materials to promote awareness of the First Nations Cancer Screening Program and the three national cancer screening programs
• Increase awareness and understanding among community members of the three national cancer screening programs
• Promote the cancer screening program among general practices as a referral pathway
• Provide practical support for community members to attend cancer screening appointments by offering services such as transport to/from appointments, making appointments, providing bowel screening kits and following up on the bowel screening process. 

DDACL will provide the service in the local government areas (LGA) of Greater Dandenong, Mornington Peninsula, Casey, Cardinia and Frankston. 

Star Health will provide the service in the LGAs of Stonnington, Port Phillip, Kingston, Glen Eira and Bayside City Council.