Culturally safe breast screening comes to Maryborough
Maryborough District Health Service (MDHS) is encouraging First Nations women to register for a free breast screen when The Beautiful Shawl Project comes to Maryborough BreastScreen in October.
The Beautiful Shawl Project, a Community-led initiative, offers a culturally safe and empowering breast screening experience for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.
The project provides a shawl, often designed by local Aboriginal artists for women to wear during their breast screen and take home as a gift.
MDHS is partnering with BreastScreen Victoria (BSV) and the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) to bring the project to Maryborough on 1 and 8 of October.
“Culturally safe breast screening is coming to Maryborough,” said Kymberley Williams, Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officer at MDHS.
“We’re encouraging First Nations women aged 40 and over to get screened in a safe space.”
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, and early detection is key.
“Stay healthy for your family and your community, added Tonya Fedel, Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officer, MDHS.
“Tell your mothers, sistas, and Aunties to register,” she said.
First Nations women who attend a breast screen will receive a shawl featuring the artwork called “Dunguludja Mulana” (Strong Spirit) by proud Yorta Yorta, Wemba Wemba, Mutti Mutti and Wiradjuri artist Alkina Edwards.
The Strong Spirit artwork represents women empowerment, resilience and strong spirits.
To register, contact MDHS Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officers Kymberley or Tonya by 1 pm on Monday, 23 September.
- Kymberley Williams: (03) 5461 0427 [email protected]
- Tonya Fedel: (03) 5461 0188 [email protected]
About the Beautiful Shawl Project
The Beautiful Shawl Project is a collaboration between BreastScreen Victoria (BSV) and the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO).
Since The Beautiful Shawl Project started in 2018, more than 1,100 breast screens have been conducted for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women as part of the project. Twenty nine Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations or Aboriginal-led services have been involved.
About Maryborough BreastScreen
Maryborough BreastScreen clinic is located at 75-87 Clarendon Street, Maryborough, in the medical imaging department at Maryborough Hospital. It has a designated waiting area, and is run by caring and qualified woman radiographers.
BreastScreen Victoria provides free 10 minute breast screens to women and trans and gender diverse people aged 50 to 74 with no breast symptoms, every 2 years. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women can screen from the age of 40 with The Beautiful Shawl Project. For more information visit breastscreen.org.au
Photo: MDHS Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officers Tonya (left) and Kymberley (right) are encouraging eligible First Nations women to sign up for a free breast screen in October. Tonya and Kym display the beautiful shawl featuring the Strong Spirit artwork by proud Yorta Yorta, Wemba Wemba, Mutti Mutti and Wiradjuri artist Alkina Edwards.