Disparities in cancer morbidity and mortality among First Nations peoples and the importance of access to quality rural health care are the focus of a new series featuring researchers from the Western Australian Centre for Rural Health at The University of Western Australia.
Cancer in First Nations Australians is a series of articles, commentaries and perspectives by Indigenous and non-Indigenous researchers from the WA Centre for Rural Health in collaboration with researchers from partner organisations and published in The Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific.
Professor Sandra Thompson, Director of WA Centre for Rural Health, said the series aimed to raise awareness about cancer in the Indigenous Australian community and the need for better approaches to cancer prevention and care.
"It focuses on individuals and families affected by cancer and emphasises the importance of culturally safe care and support from health professionals to improve cancer outcomes for Aboriginal people," Professor Thompson said.
There are three narrative reviews in the series: The impact of genetics and the environment on cancer risk in Indigenous Australians; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and cancer; and Education of First Nations Australians about cancer – what evidence is there around its effectiveness?
The articles highlight what is known in each of the areas, gaps in knowledge and where future actions and research can be strengthened.
A commentary reflects on the contributions of rurally based researchers to improving First Nations cancer outcomes, University Departments of Rural Health and cancer research in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations.
The patient perspectives article features a metropolitan-based woman undergoing her second cancer diagnosis and treatment journey and a woman reflecting on her mother's cancer journey which started in regional Australia.
"We have spent many hours with First Nations people, hearing stories about their journey with cancer," Professor Thompson said.
"So many stories are profound, moving and provide testimony to courage, frustration, support from family, while noting both excellent care and failures in achieving seamless integrated care.
"The insights provide a strong rationale for guidelines that incorporate a consumer perspective into research and patients' care.
"Cancer Australia has already embraced changes in the way in which research is prioritised and funded so that it strengthens Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander views and voices."
