Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and the second most common cause of cancer death (Victorian Cancer Registry, 2023). Compared to non-Indigenous women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer at a more advanced stage, leading to poorer health outcomes.
“When breast cancer is the most common cancer in First Nations women, it is an unacceptable truth that some communities face barriers to early intervention services like breast cancer screening, resulting in diagnosis at a later stage and poorer health outcomes. ” says Rita Butera, CEO of BreastScreen Victoria, “This Reconciliation Action Plan intends to remove these barriers and increase breast screening rates and early detection of breast cancer in First Nations women. Guided by the cultural knowledge and diverse experiences of our First Nations consumers and partners, we aim to provide high quality and culturally safe services.”
What is a Reconciliation Action Plan?
Since 2006, Reconciliation Action Plans (RAPs) have enabled organisations to sustainably and strategically take meaningful action to advance reconciliation. Based around the core pillars of relationships, respect and opportunities, RAPs provide tangible and substantive benefits for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, increasing economic equity and supporting First Nations self-determination (Reconciliation Australia, 2024).
