Table 3 Recommendations for increasing accessibility of breast screening programs to Aboriginal women

Logistical

 • Cater for last minute appointments, or “drop in” sessions without appointment, to increase the flexibility of the service.

 • Allocate a block of time reserved for appointments for Aboriginal women to ensure increased cultural security.

 • Extend the current transport strategy to include metropolitan and regional centres to create a relaxed and mutually supportive environment, in addition to addressing transport issues.

Cultural

 • Provide enhanced cultural competence training for BreastScreen staff and clinic staff to improve communication and ensure the provision of optimum care.

 • Increase the number of Aboriginal staff at BreastScreen facilities to enhance the acceptability of the service.

 • Involve respected, influential Aboriginal women (AHWs or elders) in the screening process to ensure culturally appropriate support before, during and after the screening procedure.

Educational

 • Increase the number of Aboriginal educators, including local women with an experience of mammography or breast cancer, to provide appropriate information explaining the importance of participation.

 • Include Aboriginal breast cancer survivors in support and education to provide a positive message and demonstrate that a cancer diagnosis does not equate to a death sentence.

 • Develop resources that can educate and encourage participation of Aboriginal women in mammographic screening, in particular the role women can play in supporting family members and friends to attend.