Cancer Screening Awareness Campaign 2024

Building Awareness, Reducing Stigma, Saving Lives

In 2024, Hazara Shamama Association delivered the Cancer Screening Awareness for Multicultural Communities Campaign, a targeted health education initiative aimed at improving cancer awareness, early detection, and screening participation within culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities.

Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death in Australia, yet early detection through regular screening significantly improves survival outcomes. National screening programs for breast, cervical, and bowel cancer are free, but participation rates remain lower among CALD communities due to language barriers, cultural stigma, limited awareness, and mistrust of healthcare systems. This campaign was designed to address those gaps through culturally safe, community-led education.

Campaign Reach and Activities

Between October and December 2024, the campaign engaged approximately 2,925 people through a combination of in-person sessions and online outreach.

1. In-person education sessions reached over 320 community members, including dedicated sessions for women, men, and mixed community groups.
2. Women’s sessions focused on breast and cervical cancer, addressing topics often considered taboo, and encouraged intergenerational conversations within families.
3. Men’s sessions covered bowel, lung, stomach, and skin cancers, with strong engagement around prevention and routine screening.
4. Social media campaigns reached more than 3,300 views, expanding access to cancer information beyond face-to-face sessions.

Participants consistently reported increased understanding of cancer risks, screening guidelines, and early warning signs. Many shared that this was the first time they had engaged in open discussions about cancer and expressed strong intentions to prioritise regular check-ups.

Addressing Barriers

The campaign directly addressed key challenges faced by CALD communities:

1. Information was delivered in first languages using multilingual resources.
2. Sessions were designed to be culturally sensitive and non-judgmental, helping reduce stigma around cancer discussions.
3. Participants were informed about free government screening programs, reducing financial concerns.
4. Positive messaging emphasised that early detection saves lives, helping to reduce fear and fatalistic beliefs.

Impact and Looking Ahead

Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive. Community members became increasingly engaged as sessions progressed, asking questions, sharing experiences, and committing to pass information on to their families. This peer-to-peer sharing is critical, as awareness within households often drives screening decisions.

The campaign highlighted the importance of sustained, culturally responsive health education. Hazara Shamama Association remains committed to continuing health awareness initiatives, working alongside community leaders and health partners to improve screening participation and long-term health outcomes.

By creating trusted spaces for conversation and education, this campaign took meaningful steps toward reducing preventable illness and strengthening community wellbeing.