Co-designed cervical screening model empowering people with disability

Perth, Thursday 9 July 2026 – SHQ has launched SHQ 2U, a new mobile cervical screening pilot program co-designed with people with disability to make screening more accessible, comfortable and flexible across metropolitan Perth.

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable and curable cancers when detected early, yet around 260 people die from cervical cancer every year in Australia despite vaccination and screening programs. 

More than 72% of cervical cancers occur in people who have never screened or aren’t up to date with their screening. Routine screening every five years is crucial for early detection and prevention for women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 74. 

Australia is set to be the first country in the world to eliminate cervical cancer in 2035, but some groups in the community are screening at lower rates than others. 

Francis Townsend, Disability Counselling Manager at SHQ, said: “People with disability are under-screened in Australia and experience significant barriers to testing, including clinic access barriers, lower health literacy, stigma, assumptions about sexuality and communication challenges. 

“As a trusted provider of holistic disability support services and high-quality sexual and reproductive health services, SHQ is well-placed to break down these barriers and work with people with disability to improve access to cervical screening.”  

Early last year, SHQ received funding from the Western Australian Cervical Cancer Prevention Program to consult with key stakeholders and identify an ideal model of care to reduce barriers, improve screening rates and contribute to national elimination targets for people with disability. 

The consultation process included multiple participation formats and Accessible Easy English questions co-developed with Developmental Disability WA, and involved a diverse range of participants across age, gender, disability type, cultural background and living arrangements. 

Participants identified fear and discomfort as major barriers to screening and noted the need for appointments to allow enough time for clear explanation and additional comfort measures such as music, TV or pets. 

There was strong endorsement from all cohorts for an outreach model, with respondents viewing home‑based screening as more comfortable, accessible, and supportive. 

Through evidence-based co-design with people with disability, parents and carers, and service providers, SHQ’s Disability Counselling Team and Clinical Team developed SHQ 2U. The pilot program allows people with disability, and their parents and carers where appropriate, to book an appointment with an SHQ nurse at a location of their choice in the Perth metropolitan area, such as their home, a friend’s house or another place where they feel comfortable. The service is free, with Medicare only required to cover pathology costs. 

Sharon Ngwenya, SHQ 2U Nurse, said: “The service is designed to be holistic and flexible, based on the individual needs of each client. Our first booking is a group session in an independent supported living residence, where residents will be offered private testing after we share morning tea and talk through the process and their options. 

“Just like anyone getting a cervical screening test, SHQ 2U participants have choices when it comes to screening. I can do the test for them, or they can choose to do the test themselves using the self-collect swab.” 

Cervical screening saves lives. The Cervical Screening Test can detect signs of cervical cancer in the earliest stages, so it can be investigated and treated if needed.  

Women and any person with a cervix aged 25 to 74 who has ever had any type of sexual contact should have a cervical screening test every five years. It’s one simple test for five years’ peace of mind. 

To learn more about SHQ 2U or book an appointment visit the SHQ website. 

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