First Nations women will be gifted a Sistas Shawl when attending a BreastScreen Queensland Gold Coast Service clinic as part of a partnership to increase screening in the community.
Gold Coast Health (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Service) has partnered with BreastScreen Queensland and Kalwun Health to introduce Sistas Shawl to the Gold Coast.
The Sistas Shawl is a modesty shawl worn or used during a breast screen. Made of a light fabric, with a press stud at the front, the Sistas Shawl does not interfere with the screen.
The Sistas Shawl features ‘A Woman’s Dreaming’ artwork by artist Sharon McAvoy. It tells 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 program, officially launched at the Kalwun Senior Fest recently, was well received by community members. First Nations Health Equity Program Manager, Paula Nihot presented the First Nations women who participated in a recent Sistas Shawl photoshoot with a framed image as a thank you.
“The Sistas Shawl will provide comfort and modesty for First Nations women accessing BreastScreen Queensland Gold Coast Service,” Paula said.
BreastScreen Queensland offers free breast screening for women who are 40 and over and haven’t noticed any changes to their breasts. Breast screening is most effective for women aged 50 to 74.
For more information, or to book an appointment, phone 13 20 50 or visit BreastScreen Queensland.
