Barriers

In addition to the general barriers women may face to screening, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander women may face unique barriers, including:

• Shame, fear and embarrassment about screening and cancer.
• Distrust of healthcare providers, mainstream providers and government services.
• Lack of culturally sensitive and appropriate health services.
• Lack of Indigenous and female healthcare providers.
• Cultural perceptions around cancer.
• Lack of access to health services.
• Low knowledge of the importance and benefits of cancer screening.
• Prioritisation of family needs before health.
• Lack of Indigenous-specific, culturally-relevant educational resources e.g. speaking posters, as very few local Central Australian languages are written or read.