Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
24/07/2026 7:34 AM AWST

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Promote awareness and early detection of cancer to women

Promote awareness and early detection of cancer to women

Unit of competency
National Code
HLTAHPR003
State Code
OEO26
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
15/12/2022
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
11/08/2023
Field of Education
061305 - Indigenous Health
Original Release Date
11/08/2023
Nominal Hours
70
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to provide clients with information about cancer, its prevalence in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander populations, and to encourage early detection. Information would be provided about cancers that are particular to females as well as other cancers that affect both females and males.It requires the ability to discuss risk factors and ways to reduce the risk of cancer, and to inform clients about cancer screening programs. It covers the coordination of follow-up for any clients who advise of any cancer health concerns.Information may be provided to individual clients in the course of general health service provision, or during dedicated group education sessions.This unit is specific to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people working as health workers or health practitioners. They work as part of a multidisciplinary primary health care team to provide primary health care services and health education activities to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients.The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.No regulatory requirement for certification, occupational or business licensing is linked to this unit at the time of publication. For information about practitioner registration and accredited courses of study, contact the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practice Board of Australia (ATSIHPBA).
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Provide information on women’s and other cancers and their incidence.
  • 1.1. Communicate consistently in culturally appropriate and safe ways with clients, using plain language.
  • 1.2. Provide information about the incidence of cancer in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities.
  • 1.3. Explain to clients the nature of different types of cancer.
  • 1.4. Use visual aids and provide culturally appropriate consumer-based education resources about cancer to support client understanding.
  • 1.5. Encourage client questions and check understanding of information through appropriate questioning.
2. Discuss cancer risk factors and healthy lifestyle choices.
  • 2.1. Explain risk factors for different types of cancer in the context of local community, cultural and family issues.
  • 2.2. Provide information on ways to reduce the risk of cancer.
  • 2.3. Provide information about nutrition and lifestyle choices, and impact of unhealthy choices, including alcohol and smoking.
  • 2.4. Provide consumer-based education resources and information on nutrition, healthy eating and exercise.
3. Promote early detection of cancer.
  • 3.1. Discuss common signs and symptoms of cancer and the importance of early detection.
  • 3.2. Explain to clients the importance of regular check-ups and screening tests in the early detection of cancer.
  • 3.3. Promote availability of cancer screening programs and advise how clients can access services.
  • 3.4. Describe screening test procedures in ways that reduce client resistance and fear of participating.
  • 3.5. Equip clients with an overview of investigation methods and diagnostic tests for breast cancer.
4. Encourage clients to discuss cancer health concerns.
  • 4.1. Provide opportunities for clients to share information about their health.
  • 4.2. Establish trust with client by demonstrating and respecting confidentiality.
  • 4.3. Support clients to identify and discuss any health concerns that could indicate cancer.
  • 4.4. Recognise situations requiring further investigation and take appropriate action, according to organisational procedures.
5. Evaluate effectiveness of health education activities.
  • 5.1. Seek and evaluate feedback from clients about value of information and education resources provided.
  • 5.2. Evaluate effectiveness of information provided from own perspective and identify areas for improvement.
  • 5.3. Provide ongoing feedback to relevant people based on clients’ views and own input.
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
WG687 HLTAHW036 Provide information and support to women with breast cancer Unit of competency