Access to BreastScreen Australia screening services
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Case study
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The AIHW developed a pioneering national analysis and interactive dashboard to assess geographic variation in local access to BreastScreen Australia services. The work involved:
- using the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ Population Grid to model the distribution of First Nations and non-Indigenous women aged 50–74 (the target age group for breast screening) across all populated square kilometres in Australia
- estimating the drive time from each populated square kilometre to the nearest permanent and visiting screening sites using data on sites shared by all states and territories.
This very granular analysis confirmed that most women in Australia, both First Nations and non-Indigenous women, have relatively good access to breast screening sites. However, it also made it clear that a significant minority of women still face long drive times. The dashboard’s interactive map presents data on how many women are affected, organised by key population areas including states and territories, Indigenous Areas, Urban Centres and Localities, and Statistical Areas Levels 2 and 3. This information now supports governments in planning and allocating screening services more effectively.
The project combined geospatial modelling with data on the distribution of breast screening sites and where women aged 50–74 live to produce a detailed, location-based view of service coverage. It also provided a framework for comparing access with participation rates, helping to identify where distance may be a barrier to screening.
The interactive map and supporting statistics are being used by federal, state and territory governments to inform service delivery and improve equity in access.