Sistas Shawl - Women taking care of women

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

• Join the Sistahood brochure
• A Woman’s Dreaming Artwork Story

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.

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!

Breast screen process

Watch this video to find out more about the breast screening process in this animated explainer for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.

BreastScreen Australia animated testimonials

Hear from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women about their experience with BreastScreen Australia.

Breast screening is one of the most effective ways to detect early signs of breast cancer, leading to better treatment outcomes.

Why not book in with a group?

BreastScreen Queensland offers free breast screening for eligible people and can:

• Arrange 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.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Australian women, but when found early, it’s easier to treat.

To join a group booking, contact Kalwun Health or Yallburru Community Service today.

Upcoming group bookings

Join a group by contacting Letisha from Kalwun Health on 0461 556 170:

• 23 July - BreastScreen Queensland Robina Clinic
• 30 July - BreastScreen Queensland Pimpama Clinic

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 for more details including maps of permanent clinic locations, mobile unit schedule, and bookings line operating hours.

• phone 13 20 50
• yarn to your health worker
• visit BreastScreen Queensland
• Register interest in a breast screen via the Breast Screen booking expression of interest form

Transport assistance available

First Nations patients who need help getting to their appointment can Moblink call on 1800 254 354. If unanswered, please leave a message and the team will return your call. For transport requests, please allow a minimum 48 hours' notice.

Preparing for your visit and next steps

To help you feel confident and informed about your breast screen, we encourage you read this fact sheet. More information and resources available at screen with your sistas.

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.

After you have had your breast screen at a BreastScreen Queensland Gold Coast Service you can complete a short evaluation to receive a commemorative Sistas Shawl pin by mail.

This artwork 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.
For more information email GCHFirstNationsHealthEquity@health.qld.gov.au