Reconciliation Action Plan
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and the second most common cause of cancer death (Victorian Cancer Registry, 2023). Compared to non-Indigenous women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer at a more advanced stage, leading to poorer health outcomes.
“When breast cancer is the most common cancer in First Nations women, it is an unacceptable truth that some communities face barriers to early intervention services like breast cancer screening, resulting in diagnosis at a later stage and poorer health outcomes. ” says Rita Butera, CEO of BreastScreen Victoria, “This Reconciliation Action Plan intends to remove these barriers and increase breast screening rates and early detection of breast cancer in First Nations women. Guided by the cultural knowledge and diverse experiences of our First Nations consumers and partners, we aim to provide high quality and culturally safe services.”
What is a Reconciliation Action Plan?
Since 2006, Reconciliation Action Plans (RAPs) have enabled organisations to sustainably and strategically take meaningful action to advance reconciliation. Based around the core pillars of relationships, respect and opportunities, RAPs provide tangible and substantive benefits for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, increasing economic equity and supporting First Nations self-determination (Reconciliation Australia, 2024).
Our RAP Journey
While this is BreastScreen Victoria's first RAP, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities have been actively engaged since the establishment of the BreastScreen Victoria program. For example, together with the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS) we have developed a video resource, Merrindah Bibi: tracking back to better health, to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and health workers to talk about breast health and the importance of early detection of breast cancer.
These relationships became more established in 2018 when we partnered with the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service and the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) to trial a cultural screening shawl with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.
“Our RAP represents our promise to honour and celebrate First Nations histories, cultures, and resilience. It is our roadmap for embedding reconciliation principles in our organisation, while making sure that First Nations perspectives are respected, celebrated, and represented in all aspects of our work.” Liezl Oliver, Diversity and Inclusion Specialist says.
This artwork was commissioned for the Reconciliation Action Plan. The artist was selected by a panel of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members of BreastScreen Victoria’s Consumer Network.
Artist: Kedeasha Jackson, Wemba Wemba, Ngiyampaa and Wiradjuri
Title: Regenerating our Wellbeing
"It represents the recovery of life itself with breast cancer. It brings strength and draws positivity, culture and regenerating a health and wellbeing. Even through the chaos, this piece brings reconciliation of understanding and peace to everyone’s journey." Kedeasha Jackson
Click to read our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2024-2026
