The early detection message was shared through education sessions about national cancer screening programs, and opportunities to book breast screening appointments and order bowel screening kits.
African general practitioner and key speaker, Dr Kumba Moseray said she was motivated to take part, after realising that many people from African communities had limited interactions with health professionals.
“These limited interactions can result in reduced awareness of the national cancer screening programs and low uptake of cancer screening services,” Dr Moseray said.
“I hope following the wonderful event, members of our community will seek screening if they’re eligible and encourage family and friends to do the same.”
The fun day was a joyful celebration of African culture with Ghanaian dance and drumming, Ethiopian dancing, Sierra Leonean hunting dancing and powerful testimonials.
It was coordinated by the NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors (STARTTS) in partnership with Western Sydney Local Health District and with funding support from the Cancer Institute NSW.
Cancer Institute NSW Acting Chief Executive Sarah McGill said it was working to reduce disparities for people impacted by cancer from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, who often had lower cancer screening rates and poorer cancer outcomes than the general population.
African day to improve health awareness
HUNDREDS of members from African communities celebrated their culture through dance and music at an African Health and Wellbeing Fun Day at Granville, aimed at increasing awareness about cancer screening and prevention.
