Yarning about lung health: taking screening conversations to community

In partnership with First Nations creative agency 33 Creative the It’s Good to Know campaign is connecting with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to share information about the National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP) in ways that are culturally safe, accessible and community-led. 

Through storytelling, connection and face-to-face conversations, 33 Creative is taking lung cancer screening information to places where community already comes together. 

In March, 33 Creative attended the Elder Olympics, connecting with more than 400 Elders to yarn about lung cancer screening and the importance of early detection. The event provided an opportunity to answer questions, share information about who may be eligible for screening and support conversation in a familiar setting.  

The team hosted an Elders and community lunch and information session during May in Dubbo, bringing together Elders, local healthcare providers and community members and organisations for a relaxed conversation about lung cancer screening. The relaxed setting created space to share knowledge, build connections and discuss how communities can support each other to access health information and care. 

Shiralee Lawson, Account Manager at 33 Creative, said taking these conversations into community helps make health information feel relevant and accessible. “When we meet people in trusted community spaces, we can yarn openly, listen to what matters to them and share information in a way that feels culturally safe and connected. These conversations help people understand the program, ask questions and feel supported to take the next step for their lung health.” 

The team also joined the Wuchopperen Health Service NAIDOC Community Day in Gimuy (Cairns), where up to 1,000 community members came together for a day of celebration, connection and activities. Among the festivities, community members stopped by to yarn about the NLCSP, learn more about lung health and understand why early detection matters.  

Tailored lung screening resources co-designed by the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO), are also helping support these conversations and provide culturally appropriate information for communities 

By partnering with 33 Creative, the It’s Good to Know campaign is helping bring lung cancer screening information into community spaces where people feel comfortable, supported and heard. 

Looking after lung health starts with a simple conversation - and it’s good to know whether you, or someone you care about, may be eligible for lung cancer screening.