In 2012, ACCF created the Community Education Program to raise awareness in Australia about the preventability of cervical cancer, HPV and other related cancers.
Through passionate and dedicated volunteer presenters, the Community Education Program is a 15-30 minute presentation about cervical cancer, HPV and the steps you can to prevent it as well as covering the important life-saving work ACCF undertakes in Australia and developing countries.
Why the need?
In Australia, death from cervical cancer has reduced dramatically over recent years due to the introduction of the Cervical Cancer Screening Program. Since the introduction of the program in 1991, incidence and mortality rates of cervical cancer have both halved.
However, Australian women are still dying from this almost entirely preventable disease. Each year, over 20,00 Australian women are diagnosed with high grade abnormalities. If left untreated, these abnormal cells may develop into cervical cancer.
A Cervical Screening Test (CST) every five years from the age of 25 is your best protection against cervical cancer. A CST detects the presence of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a common infection that can cause cervical cell changes that may lead to cervical cancer. Unfortunately, almost 45% of Australian women are not screening as frequently as recommended.
Booking a Community Education presenter
Dedicated and passionate volunteers are available to speak at your community group, event or workplace about this important health issue. By raising awareness we can change these alarming statistics and come one step closer to our goal or eliminating cervical cancer.
All community education presentations are free of charge.
If you would like more information about a volunteer speaker at your community group or workplace please contact our National Health Promotion Manager, Liz Ham at liz.ham@accf.org.au or phone 1300 727 630. For a presentation at your community group please book online.
ACCF also conducts education and awareness presentations in Australian high schools. Learn more about the Cervical Cancer Awareness Program for schools here.
