Cancer Awareness, Support & Early Detection (CASED) Project

This project occurring at Rural Northwest Health aims was to raise awareness on the most prevalent cancers

GICS have awarded multiple grants to Rural Northwest Health to undertake this project in response to reduced survival and higher presentation of patients with more advanced stages of disease at diagnosis. This projects’ objective is to enhance cancer awareness and early detection in Yarriambiack Shire by holding community workshops and conducting cancer screening activities at local community events.

CASED #1 [Complete]

The first iteration of this project, funded by a GICS Service Improvement Grant, was completed in October 2024. The project aimed to increase awareness, particularly to farming communities, about the importance of early detection and screening of the most prevalent cancers.

Additionally, it aimed to strengthen community transport services, promote screening and establish a local cancer support group, improve telehealth pathways and install digital billboard displays in high traffic areas to sustainably communicate cancer-related information. See the Final Report linked below.

CASED #2 [Complete]

The second iteration, funded by a GICS Small Grant, was completed in 2025. This project was undertaken in response to results of medical examinations conducted at community events during CASED#1, that found a significant number of skin cancer screening examinations required further medical assessment. The project also addressed the perceived barriers to screening such as access to the service, high waiting times and reduced staff capacity.

CASED #3 [Underway]

As a result of the extremely successful roll out of the CASED project, clear evidence was demonstrated in relation to the prevalence of suspicious skin conditions in the region, particularly within the farming community, being of significant concern. This project aims to allow for ongoing and sustainable early detection of skin cancer, and to extend these services across further townships in the region. It is anticipated that additional nursing staff will undertake training and appropriate equipment be purchased to assist in diagnosing skin cancer.

The project will significantly increase the scope and frequency of skin checks at additional local community events / facilities to provide access to this service to those in the region who are impacted by the burden of travel and with limited flexibility and/or tight and unpredictable schedules.

A project plan is currently in development which will further outline the activities planned for this project.

If you have any further questions about this project please reach out to the Project Lead.