Cancer Screening Takes Centre Stage at Tharawal Aboriginal Medical Service
12 Aug 2026
Cancer Council NSW Community Coordinator Melissa Mackay led the yarning session on 6 August, covering breast, bowel and cervical screening.
The session explained who can access each screening program, what the tests involve and why regular screening is important.
Breast screening
Women aged 50 to 74 are invited to have a free mammogram every two years.
Women aged 40 to 49 and those aged 75 and over can also access free screening but are not routinely invited. They can speak with their doctor about whether screening is right for them.
A mammogram uses X-rays to check for breast cancer before it may be visible or felt.
Bowel screening
People aged 45 to 74 are eligible for bowel cancer screening every two years.
People aged 50 to 74 receive a screening kit in the mail, while those aged 45 to 49 need to request their first kit.
The home test looks for tiny amounts of blood in a bowel sample that may not be visible.
A positive result does not always mean cancer, but it should be discussed with a GP.
Cervical screening
Women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 74 should have a Cervical Screening Test every five years.
The test checks for HPV, which causes most cervical cancers. People can collect their own sample or have a healthcare professional do it.
Cervical screening remains important even after HPV vaccination because the vaccine does not cover every type of HPV.
People who are due for screening are encouraged to book an appointment or complete their bowel screening kit. Anyone with an unusual or ongoing change in their body should speak with a healthcare professional rather than waiting for their next screening test.
Cancer Screening Takes Centre Stage at Tharawal Aboriginal Medical Service
Source: Cancer Council NSW.