In Australia, cervical cancer is now highly preventable and treatable, thanks to a national vaccination program (HVP) and early detection with cervical screening tests.
However, gaps still exist in who is affected by cervical cancer in Australia.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are more than twice as likely to be diagnosed with cervical cancer than other Australian women, and at increased risk of dying from it.
Why? Evidence suggests several factors are responsible, including lower immunisation uptake, lower overall rates of screening, cancers reaching a later stage before diagnosis, and lower access to treatment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.
The Aboriginal Women’s Business Clinic in Port Adelaide aims to help bridge this difference and provide comprehensive gynaecological care to its consumers.
The clinic is a joint initiative of Central Adelaide Local Health Network and Northern Adelaide Local Health Network.
“After less than one year in operation, the clinic is already showing success in reaching socially-vulnerable women with complex care needs,” said Dr Madeleine Honner, Senior Gynaecology Registrar at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
Examples include a case of endometrial cancer, and three cases of pre-cancerous conditions, which have now been treated.
“These women have now received potentially life-saving treatment,” said Dr Honner.
Reflecting its effectiveness in serving the community, the Aboriginal Women’s Business Clinic has been selected as a finalist in the Premier’s Excellence Awards 2024.
The Aboriginal Women’s Business Clinic was also a finalist for the Lowitja O’Donoghue Award for Excellence in Aboriginal Health at the 2024 SA Health Awards.
The Clinic is led by a team of health practitioners from Port Adelaide’s Wonggangga Turtpandi Aboriginal Primary Health Care Service and a visiting gynaecology registrar overseen by specialists from The Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
For the community, in the community
Established in May 2024, the Aboriginal Women’s Business Clinic serves as a one-stop shop connecting women to critical healthcare services and a vital support network.
“It is a privilege to care for women in the community, where they feel safe, and to support nurses and GPs in any way we can,” said Dr Honner.
The clinic provides responsive and locally-accessible healthcare for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in a familiar, culturally-safe environment. It also offers transport assistance, reminders and follow ups, and helps connect women who are on a similar health and healing journey, all of which helps to close the gap in health equity for Aboriginal consumers.
The location of the clinic in Port Adelaide is key to its success, as it removes lengthy wait times and other barriers to attending appointments at hospitals or private clinics such as cost and accessibility.
The team behind the clinic includes TQEH Gynaecology, nursing staff, GP registrars and Aboriginal health practitioners.
This story is part of our series for National Close the Gap Day 2025.
National Close the Gap Day 2025 aims to help drive better health outcomes and wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, through agency, leadership and reform.
