Western Queensland PHN works alongside primary health care providers to enhance their capacity to promote cancer screening. While our focus is on supporting under- screened and never-screened individuals, especially those from vulnerable populations, we are committed to supporting our communities to access cancer screening services and initiatives.
Cancer screening can detect cancers before any symptoms emerge. Simple screening tests can detect cancer early by looking for changes and early signs.
Early detection saves lives – screening is crucial for cancer prevention.
Cervical Cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. Routine cervical screening is one of the most effective ways to prevent cervical cancer or detect it early. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve cervical cancer survival. Women aged 25–74 are invited to screen every 5 years. Self-collection is now available.
National Cervical Screening Program eLearning (ACPCC)
Free, CPD-accredited modules covering clinical pathways, self-collection, and communication strategies.
Department of Health – Cervical Screening Training & Support
Includes cultural competency and updates to guidelines.
Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers in Australia, but early detection through screening can save lives. Screening detects polyps and early-stage cancers before symptoms appear.
Australians aged 45–74 can participate in the program. People aged 50–74 are automatically invited to screen every 2 years using a free home test kit.
National Bowel Cancer Screening Program Learning Hub (GPEx)
Free CPD courses, webinars, and resources to support providers in encouraging participation and addressing barriers.
Department of Health – Bowel Cancer Screening Learning Hub
Covers continuum of care, practical tools, and CPD accredited training.
The WQPHN region includes communities with prolonged average temperatures over 30°C. These high temperatures may impact sample accuracy or result in inconclusive outcomes. Health providers may need to implement cooling strategies during storage
and transport.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in Australia, but early detection saves lives. The National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP) launched on 1 July 2025 and offers free low-dose CT (LDCT) scans for high-risk individuals aged 50–70 with a significant smoking history.
To improve access in rural and remote areas, Heart of Australia is partnering with the Australian Government to deliver screening via five mobile clinics, each equipped with LDCT scanners and diagnostic technology. These clinics will visit around 50 rural and remote communities annually, including Western Queensland. WQPHN will share updates on the LDCT bus schedule as they become available.
Lung Foundation Australia – National Lung Cancer Screening Program Education
Seven self-paced modules (3.5 CPD points) plus webinars to prepare for NLSP implementation.
Western Queensland PHN acknowledges the traditional owners of the country on which we work and live and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to them, their cultures, and to elders past and present.
