Rotary Supporting Cancer Services

The generosity of the Rotary Club of Glenorchy is helping improve cancer services across Tasmania.

To mark the 50th anniversary of the club, Rotary has today donated a car to Cancer Screening and Control Services (CSCS).

This vehicle will help CSCS to hold health events and information sessions with community groups, schools and workplaces across the state and especially in Glenorchy, which has some of the highest rates of cancer in Tasmania, including bowel cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer and lung cancer. 1

These CSCS services, which include education programs on cancer prevention and early detection, are key to providing improved health outcomes for all Tasmanians.

We know Tasmania has an aging population and more women are entering the target range for breast cancer screening, aged between 50 and 69 years.

Although the number of women screened for breast cancer has increased each year, Tasmania’s participation rate is currently between 57-59 per cent, well below the National Accreditation Standard target of 70 per cent.

That’s why the Liberal Government is investing a record $1.465 billion into health in 2014-15. We have also begun reforming our health system to make sure service delivery is as efficient and effective as possible.

We will continue to work hard to increase the number of Tasmanian women participating from the target population and increase the rates of early detection.

Early detection of cancer can mean improved outcomes, decreased mortality and improved quality of life.

The Government currently delivers three cancer screening programs including BreastScreen Tasmania, the Tasmanian Cervical Cancer Prevention Program and Tasmanian component of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program.

I urge all Tasmanians to utilise these services and to be aware of early warning signs and symptoms.

To make an appointment with BreastScreen Tasmania call 13 20 50, to register for the Tasmanian Cervical Prevention Program call 13 15 56 and call 1800 118 868 for the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program.

1 http://www.menzies.utas.edu.au/pdf/TCRReport2010.pdf
Michael Ferguson, Minister for Health