An Exploration of Cancer Screening for Women in Tasmania: Development of a Consumer-Informed Strategy

About the research project

Disparities exist in women’s health and the incidence of cancer in Tasmania. State figures indicate that 1 in 3.4 women develop cancer by the age of 75 years compared to 1 in 2.9 men for the same age group (Cancer Council, 2022). Living in rural and remote areas is reported as a barrier to screening and early diagnosis, as seen with national breast cancer screening rates (Baum, 2024). Women in rural and regional Tasmania may face barriers related to service accessibility, travel distance, transport, and healthcare workforce shortages (Golestani et al., 2025). Also, the rate of women experiencing family, domestic and sexual violence in Tasmania is higher than the national rate, (Commonwealth Government, 2025), which may impact on women feeling safe and able to access screening services (Davies, et. al., 2026). These key elements may contribute to inequities accessing cancer screening programs and early detection of malignancies, impacting women’s quality of life and health outcomes. There is limited understanding of how these factors shape screening experiences and program participation among women in Tasmania. Understanding the barriers and facilitators influencing screening participation is essential for informing evidence-based policy and service planning, improving access to cancer screening and early detection, timely referral, and improved health outcomes.

A sequential mixed-methods design will develop an evidence-based and consumer-informed strategy to support women’s access to, and participation in cancer screening programs in Tasmania. The research will be undertaken in four phases. A systematic review will identify what the risk factors are for underscreening in cancers for adult women. Surveys and qualitative interviews will explore Tasmanian women's experiences of cancer screening and identify the individual, social, cultural, geographic, and health system factors that influence participation.

A co-design process will identify the characteristics and delivery approaches of a cancer screening participation strategy that is relevant to the Tasmanian context. The final phase will evaluate the acceptability, relevance, and feasibility through qualitative feedback from consumers and stakeholders, enabling refinement prior to future pilot implementation.

The project aligns with the Tasmanian Government's Equal Means Equal: Tasmanian Women's Strategy 2022-2027 and The Health Revolution 2026-2046 (Department of Health, 2026) by contributing to improved health outcomes through equitable access to preventative health services. Findings can inform future health promotion initiatives, service planning, and policy development aimed at increasing supporting access for women to screening across Tasmania.

Primary supervisor

Meet Doctor Claire Evans

Funding

Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:

• a living allowance stipend funded by University of Tasmania of $34,315 per annum for 3.5 years
• a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
• a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)

A tuition fee offset may be offered to eligible international applicants following competitive assessment 

As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.

Other funding opportunities and fees

For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees for undertaking a research degree, please visit our Scholarships and fees on research degrees page.

Eligibility

Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.

Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.

Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:

• Current registered midwife and or registered nurse with AHPRA.

Selection criteria

The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.

Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:

• Current registered midwife and or registered nurse with AHPRA

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

• Experience in women's health care.

Application process

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact Doctor Claire Evans to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
3. In your application:
   • Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
   • Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
4. Apply prior to 1 October 2026.

Full details of the application process can be found under the ' How to apply ' section of the Research Degrees website.

Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.

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