WNSW PHN is committed to improving participation rates in the National Cancer Screening Programs including Breast, Bowel, Cervical and Lung Cancer Screening. Despite the importance of early detection, we are still below the NSW state average for bowel and cervical cancer screening. Aboriginal communities, in particular, are a priority due to lower participation rates in these programs.
Healthcare providers play a crucial role in increasing participation and improving outcomes. WNSW PHN is here to support you with resources, tools, and strategies to enhance cancer screening in your practice.
The Primary Care Cancer Control Quality Improvement Toolkit supports healthcare providers by providing an easy-to-follow roadmap for improving cancer screening rates and cancer prevention activities in your practice or health service.
The National Cancer Screening Register (NCSR) provides healthcare professionals better access to quality health information and makes it easier for program participants to take control of their health. The NCSR integration is designed to streamline workflows for general practice and Aboriginal health and medical services, allowing health providers to access and report patient clinical information for the bowel and cervical screening programs directly from the clinical information systems (Communicare, Medical Director or Best Practice). This process supports quality improvement in bowel, cervical and lung cancer screening.
For more details, visit the National Cancer Screening Register website.
Health professionals play an important role in the National Cervical Screening Program. Find information and resources to help encourage participants and manage those with symptoms:
The National Cervical Screening Program website resources may be ordered and delivered to you:
The Australian Centre for the Prevention of Cervical Cancer (ACPCC) website resources include the self-collection campaign for healthcare providers and a resource hub with educational resources.
For breast screening data for individual practices, GPs may complete the BreastScreen NSW Data Request Form.
Find patients eligible for BreastScreen using PENCAT filter (please note age may be modified as required).
Bowel cancer is one of Australia’s leading cancer killers, and early detection can make all the difference. Unfortunately, fewer than 40% of eligible individuals in the WNSW PHN region participate in the Bowel Cancer Screening Program. WNSW PHN is focused on improving participation rates, particularly in Aboriginal communities where screening is less likely. If detected early, bowel cancer can be successfully treated in more than 90% of cases.
Resources and tools are available to help you engage eligible patients and raise awareness.
From 1 July 2024, people aged 45 to 49 can request their first bowel cancer screening kit through calling 1800 627 701, or submitting a request online, or through their GP. Find out more on the Department of Health, Disability & Ageing’s website.
The National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP) is an Australian Government initiative launched in July 2025. It offers free biennial low dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans to eligible individuals aged 50 to 70 with a significant smoking history, aiming to detect lung cancer early and reduce mortality rates.
GPs and practices can get involved in the National Lung Cancer Screening Program by:
For support and more information about cancer screening initiatives, tools, and resources, please reach out to:
Email: michelle.droulers@wnswphn.org.au
We’re here to assist you in improving cancer screening rates and supporting better health outcomes for your patients.