Bridging the cancer gap for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Cancer is the second leading cause of death for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, with significantly lower survival rates than for other Australians, despite similar overall cancer incidence. This worrying situation highlights the enormous gap in services, information and support available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within our cancer care system.

Cancer Council researcher Professor Dianne O’Connell, along with a team of specialist researchers and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, have undertaken Australian-first research looking at the cancer experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Called the Aboriginal Patterns of Cancer Care (APOCC) project, this rewarding research program has significantly improved our understanding of what influences, and what improves, the experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people affected by cancer.

Research results highlighted the significant levels of social exclusion that many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experience when navigating the health care system. Barriers such as social and economic disadvantage, fear and mistrust of the health care system and a general lack of knowledge and understanding of cancer and its treatment significantly restricted access to care.

There were also significant cultural differences identified. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were more likely to forgo cancer treatment if they had to leave their family or Country to receive treatment, or if travel and treatment costs were too great. The fact that very few cancer public information campaigns contained Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander faces, meant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were less likely to see them as relevant to their own health.

Overall, the APOCC project has strongly demonstrated that the focus of cancer care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people needs to be broadened to include the psychological, financial, social and practical needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people affected by cancer. We need to improve awareness of cancer within the community and amongst health professionals. There needs to be increased investment into research, and ensure that all our health services include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers and peer support.

The outcomes of this major Cancer Council study have given us an important understanding of the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people affected by cancer. With the support of government and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, Cancer Council is now working to translate these findings into better cancer care and significantly improved health outcomes.