Cancer Screening

In Australia, cervical and bowel cancers are prevalent, with significant disparities in incidence, mortality, and screening rates among various population groups.

• Cervical cancer: In 2022, it was estimated that 942 new cases of cervical cancer would be diagnosed, with an age-standardised incidence rate of 6.6 cases per 100,000 females. The mortality rate was projected at 1.5 per 100,000 females, translating to approximately 222 deaths (Cancer Australia, 2023).
• Bowel cancer: Bowel cancer is the second most diagnosed cancer in Australia. In 2021, an estimated 15,540 new cases were expected, with a mortality rate of 13.3 per 100,000 individuals, accounting for approximately 5,354 deaths (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [AIHW], 2021).

While challenges exist for all Queenslanders, certain communities face additional, unique barriers:

• Culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities: Language barriers, cultural taboos, and limited understanding of the healthcare system hinder participation in both the National Cervical Screening Program and National Bowel Cancer Screening Program.
• First nations people: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations experience higher rates of cervical cancer incidence and mortality and face systemic barriers, including a lack of culturally appropriate services and historical mistrust of healthcare systems.
• Individuals with disabilities: Physical access challenges and communication barriers can prevent people with disabilities from participating in screening programs.
• LGBTQI community: Fear of discrimination and inadequate tailoring of health messages to LGBTQI individuals contribute to lower screening participation rates.

An incentivised approach

A collaboration between The Cancer Screening Unit of Queensland Health and Brisbane North PHN has made funding available for practices to undertake continuous quality improvement (CQI) activities to increase cervical and bowel cancer screening rates.  Using these funds, we will be able to provide payments to practices undertaking continuous quality improvement (CQI) activities in cervical and bowel cancer Screening.

• The payments are for undertaking the CQI activities, tracking and reporting on their progress. The completion payment is not subject to all activities having had a positive outcome (or even the intended outcome).
• Payments are for undertaking activities that build a practices capability and enhance patient outcomes or experience. Payment is not available for activities that are required under the RACGP accreditation standards. 

Practices can submit an EOI to participate in incentivised cancer screening CQI activities until the 28th of February 2025.

Step 1. Choose an activity

Practices can choose up to four Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities from the list shown on Table 1 of the cancer screening CQI practice payment guide.  You can also develop practice-specific activities you think will improve the outcomes for your multicultural patient cohort.  The practice development matrix can help you to develop these activities.

Step 2. Submit an expression of interest before the 28th of February

To express interest the practice complete Part 1 of the cancer screening CQI plan paperwork and submit this to Brisbane North PHN (practicesupport@brisbanenorthphn.org.au). This document will outline the:

• Cancer Screening goals you want to achieve
• Activities you will implement to achieve these goals
• Timelines you are working to
• How you are going to measure your progress.

Step 3. Written agreement between Brisbane North PHN and the practice

Brisbane North PHN will review the expression of interest and inform advise if the application has been successful. We will send you agreement paperwork to sign and return and the practice will submit an invoice to Brisbane North PHN for the initial payment of $250 for payment.

Step 4. Complete the agreed activities

With the support of the Brisbane North PHN primary care team, the practice team will work on the proposed activities between the period of February to April 2025. To receive the completion payment, complete Part 2 of the cancer screening CQI plan paperwork and submit it to Brisbane North PHN by 30 April 2025 together with an invoice for your completion payment. 

Get Support

For support and guidance on implementing health assessments in your practice, contact our quality improvement and development engagement officers via the Practice Support email and phone line.