Film focuses on cancer awareness

A FREE film screening presented by Cancer Council staff is set to be held next week aimed at raising awareness on what is being done to eliminate cervical cancer around the world.

The evening will highlight the Conquering Cancer campaign and eponymous film attached to the initiative.

Cancer Council Victoria’s head of screening, immunisation, and early detection Kate Broun said she hopes the event will spark a great dialogue in Ballarat’s role in eradicating cervical cancer.

“We’re really wanting to get local stakeholders, health professionals, and community members together to be inspired by this documentary,” she said.

“I’ve seen it already and it really is an inspiring film to see what’s happening globally with cervical cancer prevention but also how Australia is at the forefront, particularly here in Victoria.

“Hopefully, people will go away and talk to their friends and colleagues about what needs to be done to ensure everyone can share in that goal and achieving it equitably.”

A panel discussion will take place after the screening, featuring Cancer Council Victoria CEO Todd Harper, consumer representative Natalie Maxwell-Davis, Ballarat-based nurse and cervical screening provider Emily Grant, and filmmakers Mike Hill and Sue Collins.

People impacted by cervical cancer will also be part of the panel.

Ms Broun said with Australian cancer research officials tracking to eliminate cervical cancer by as early as 2030, it’s important regional Victorian communities are involved.

“What’s really important is to ensure this outcome is equitable, making sure people in regional areas like Ballarat are also reaching this elimination target at the same time as the rest of the country,” she said.

“We also need to be thinking about priority populations that really need tailored and appropriate access to these services. In Ballarat, around 55 per cent of people are up to date which means close to half aren’t.

“One great thing showcased in the documentary is there’s now a self-collected cervical screening test which will really bring down barriers to screening and help us get closer to elimination.”

Cancer Council’s free Conquering Cancer film screening will run from 5.30pm on Wednesday 6 September at Regent Cinemas and tickets can be booked at bit.ly/3svD7LN.