Cancer messages travel further in common languages

More than 60 bilingual community educators (BCE) received training on how to interpret new cancer screening resources to community members.

This session was coordinated by Cancer Institute NSW to upskill, refresh and introduce educators about the new brochures which cover topics such as cervical cancer, breast and bowel screening.

The workshops were held to help increase health literacy among cultural groups and give educators the tools to start a conversation around a variety of health topics.

Educators were trained in English. They will then deliver these messages to their community groups in Arabic, Dari, Punjabi, Bengali, Tamil, Cantonese, Tagalog, Indonesian, Mandarin, Korean, Dinka and Urdu.

Hindi and Bengali speaking educator and former physiotherapist of more than 30 years Sapna Lazarus enjoys helping people in her community.

“I’m helping my people to navigate the health system and open doors for more information.”

Tagalog speaking educator Julie Nunez, OAM is using her personal experience to help her friends, family and community lead happier and healthier lives.

“I gained a lot from attending this educational session and I look forward to spreading the word to the Filipino community.”

WSLHD is working with Cancer Institute NSW to deliver important life-saving cancer screening information in the most effective way to multicultural communities.

The district’s Bilingual Community Education (BCE) program has been educating and empowering communities since the early 90s.  The program trains men and women from the community in health topics and they run these sessions in languages for various groups across the district.

The Cancer Institute NSW is making cultural and diverse communities a priority and is working with stakeholders to develop and identify relevant information for those communities.

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