Tasmanians interested in shaping the future of cancer screening and education services in the state are being urged to become part of a formal group, giving consumers a voice.
The State Manager of Cancer Screening and Control, Gail Ward, said the service is seeking men and women to become involved in a state-wide Consumer Reference Group.
"To ensure equity of access to our services we need input and feedback from a diverse range of consumer representatives including people from rural and remote communities, from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representatives.
"It's also important people with disabilities and people from disadvantaged groups are represented in this group which will help mould services for future generations," Ms Ward said.
Group members will have the opportunity to represent their community, providing feedback on cancer screening programs and resources that will help guide improvements in service delivery and access.
Consumer views also help guide community education programs aimed at reducing the number of Tasmanians affected by cancer. These programs focus on cancer awareness, prevention and early detection.
The current Consumer Reference Group Chair, Nicki Ottavi, said she had been a member of the group for seven years.
"I am not a doctor, medical researcher or a clinician but as a consumer I can do my part to help Tasmanians be aware of their health and improve their health outcomes.
"I find my involvement with CRG very rewarding and important because it gives advice on real decisions affecting real people.
"As consumers we can reach the heart of an issue quickly and suggest solutions and ideas which may not have otherwise been thought about," Mrs Ottavi said.
Cancer Screening and Control Services incorporates the BreastScreen Tasmania program (a free screening service available to Tasmanian women aged 40+), the Tasmanian Cervical Cancer Prevention Program (which aims to reduce cervical cancer rates in Tasmania through promoting the importance of regular Pap smears) and monitoring and oversight of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program in Tasmania.
For more information visit the service's website at: www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/cancerscreening
For an application package or further information on the Reference Group please contact Cancer Screening and Control Services on (03) 6216 4300 or canscreenpeu@dhhs.tas.gov.au. Applications close 24 August 2012.