Our Services
Indigenous Services
With the support of BHP Billiton, the Breast Cancer Foundation of WA is working with communities across the state to improve the services available to Indigenous people affected by breast cancer.
Breast cancer is a major health issue for Indigenous women. It is the most common cancer and a leading cause of cancer death in Indigenous women. The disease is diagnosed at a more advanced stage, and outcomes are generally poorer that in non – indigenous women with breast cancer – National Breast Cancer Centre Report
The Breast Cancer Foundation of WA established the Indigenous Program in 2003. Ros Worthington OAM, supported by Lexie Trancollino-Councillor (an Aboriginal woman and survivor from the East Kimberley region) joined forces with the Indigenous Program Officer at Breast Screen WA and the BreastScreen WA state-wide Indigenous Women’s Reference Group, to set about improving education, support and services to Indigenous women with breast cancer in metropolitan, rural and remote communities.
A new chapter in Indigenous health
A number of factors contribute to the lower rate of early detection and the lower rate of participation in treatment by Indigenous women, including a strong fear of cancer, insufficient culturally appropriate information about breast cancer and its treatments and negative community attitudes about cancer.
In July 2008, BHP Billiton generously agreed to fund a full time Indigenous Support Services Coordinator. This allows the BCFWA to offer the same support and care readily available to non-indigenous women affected by breast cancer.
The BCFWA will continue to facilitate community information sessions to educate women of all ages about the importance of being breast aware, but can now also provide direct support to women coming to Perth for treatment.
Indigenous Program
The Indigenous Program Coordinator conducts free information sessions and works with local Health Workers to educate and offer practical support to women with breast cancer.
Indigenous Health Workers play a pivotal role in the provision of culturally appropriate information and support to the Indigenous community and thus is an important position to assist in improving the imbalance in outcomes for Indigenous women with breast cancer.
The sessions create an opportunity for cooperation between service providers, community participation and partnerships between local and regional health programs.
The sessions include sharing early detection messages, how to be breast aware, statistics and the fact that it’s not all bad news, what support is available for women and their families and how the BCFWA can help, all of which can be passed on throughout the communities along with our culturally appropriate breast cancer educational booklets.
Coming to Perth for treatment can sometimes be the biggest hurdle. The BCFWA also offers support to women while they are in Perth through;
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A volunteer to meet you at the airport when you arrive
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Visits in hospital or at your accommodation
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Transport to and from appointments while in Perth
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Financial assistance
Meet the Indigenous Program Coordinator
My name is Paula Hicks and I am a descendant of the Bunjima (Pilbara) people but have spent most of my life in Geraldton – Yamatji country. I have worked for government and non government agencies mostly in Indigenous specific positions, supporting Indigenous women and families to access services in an effort to improve there health and welfare
Community Visits
Jigalong - June 2009
In June I visited Jigalong, a community 170km east of Newman and with the help of Mike Plumb the Healthy Lifestyle Program Co-ordinator, I walked around the community talking to the ladies about breast awareness and the importance of mammography.
In the coming months I will be re-designing the indigenous brochures and encourage anyone wanting to be involved in the design process to get in contact with me to discuss further.
The Indigenous Program is inviting expressions of interest from community groups who are seeking practical and or financial support to run breast cancer awareness projects or indigenous breast cancer support groups, please contact me on 93243703
Karratha and Roebourne 16th April, 2009
Thanks to Fay Chechner (Pop Health), Sandra Overington, Marylin Lockyer (Mawarnkarra) and Kylie Boyd (Woodside) for assisting with the logistics and promotion in both communities. The early detection message was delivered to approximately 40 women including health workers and community members. Equipted with some knowledge of breast awareness these people will have a vital role in breast health promotion, advocacy and support.
Next community visit
The next information session will be held in Exmouth/Onslow in early July.
During July the BreastScreen WA Van will be in the following Regional towns – Bridgetown, Kellerberrin, Merredin, Fitzroy Crossing and Halls Creek and we urge all service providers to encourage and support indigenous women over the age of 40 to receive a free mammogram.
To contact the Indigenous Progam Coordinator, telephone (08) 9324 3703 or email paula@breastcancer.org.au