Sistas Shawl - Women taking care of women
Join the Sistahood!
Women aged 40 and above are invited to attend a free breast screening with BreastScreen Queensland.
As part of the Sistas Shawl program, First Nations women, who screen at Gold Coast Service locations, are presented a cultural shawl, which can be worn or used during their screen. Launched in the local area in October 2023, the Sistas Shawl initiative has seen a notable rise in local breast screening participation among First Nations women.
The Sistas Shawl features ‘A Woman’s Dreaming’ artwork by Aboriginal artist Sharon McAvoy. It is a powerful story of “Women taking care of Women” and highlights the importance of breast screening and sharing this message to all communities to increase awareness of early detection.
The Sistas Shawl program was introduced to the local region by Gold Coast Health (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Service) in partnership with BreastScreen Queensland Gold Coast Service and Kalwun Health
Resources:
A breast screen is safe, private and free.
The easiest way to get a screen is to make an appointment with your nearest BreastScreen Queensland clinic, or visit a mobile clinic when it comes to your community. Your doctor or health worker can help you make an appointment.
You can take a friend or family member to help you feel more comfortable and you will be given a Sistas Shawl to wear during your screen. A female worker will help you, and she’ll make sure you feel relaxed and safe.
Appointments are usually 30 minutes or less, but the test itself usually only takes a few minutes, and it’s done in private.
Having a free health check every two years is a great way to help you stay strong and healthy – for yourself, for your family and your community. Supporting your friends to have a breast screen helps keep them safe too!
Community Events
A simple test can keep you healthy and strong.
- Screening is one of the most effective ways to detect early signs of breast cancer, meaning treatment outcomes are much better.
Why not join a group booking?
Contact Kalwun Health or Yallburru Community Service to join a group booking so you can attend with your friends or family.
Breast screening is women’s business
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Australian women. When found early, breast cancer is easier to treat.
BreastScreen Queensland offers free breast screening for eligible people and can:
- offer group bookings so you can attend with your friends or family
- work with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers, Kalwun Health and Yallburru Community Service to support you.
Locations
- Permanent clinics: Burleigh Waters, Helensvale, Robina and Southport
- Mobile unit locations: Beaudesert, Eagleby, Elanora, Jimboomba, Nerang, North Tamborine and Pimpama
- Visit BreastScreen Queensland Gold Coast Service | Gold Coast Health for more details including maps of permanent clinic locations, mobile unit schedule, and bookings line operating hours.
Make an appointment is easy
- phone 13 20 50
- yarn to your health worker
- visit breastscreen.qld.gov.au
Sistas Shawl - Enhancing Screening Comfort
The Sistas Shawl is a light fabric, thoughtfully designed to maintain modesty, without interfering in the screening process, during breast screenings.
BreastScreen Queensland Gold Coast Service is trained in the use of the Sistas Shawl, and women report feeling safe and supported during their screen.
