‘National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cancer Framework; directions and priorities’ — ASN Events
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‘National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cancer Framework; directions and priorities’ (#25)

Jennifer Chynoweth 1 , Isabella Wallington 1 , Lauren Kinsella 1 , Samantha Webster 1 , Helen Zorbas 1
  1. Cancer Australia, Strawberry Hills, NSW, Australia

Aim

Indigenous Australians are 30% more likely to die from cancer than non-Indigenous Australians[1]. The cancer mortality gap between Indigenous Australians and non-Indigenous Australians increased significantly between 1998 and 2012 [2]. The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cancer Framework identifies evidence-based priorities to address unwarranted disparities in cancer outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Methods

Cancer Australia engaged Menzies School of Health Research to undertake a comprehensive literature review of the available evidence and an extensive consultation process. The literature review included peer-reviewed journals and grey literature, incorporating evidence from across the cancer continuum and current population health data. Over 500 people were consulted to identify the priority areas for action.

Results

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cancer Framework was released on the 31st August 2015. It identifies seven priorities to guide and inform national, jurisdictional, regional and local cancer control efforts.

  1. Improve knowledge, attitudes and understanding of cancer by individuals, families, carers and community members

  2. Focus prevention activities to address specific barriers and enablers to minimise cancer

  3. Increase access to and participation in cancer screening and immunisation for the prevention and early detection of cancers

  4. Ensure early diagnosis of symptomatic cancers

  5. Ensure people affected by cancer receive optimal and culturally appropriate treatment, services, and supportive and palliative care

  6. Ensure families and carers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with cancer are involved, informed, supported and enabled throughout the cancer experience

  7. Strengthen the capacity of cancer related services and systems to deliver good quality, integrated services.

Conclusion

The Framework, in identifying the national priorities that most require attention, provides an opportunity for all sectors to harness, maximise and leverage collaborative arrangements, to address unwarranted variations in cancer outcomes experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia.

  1. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare & Cancer Australia. 2013. Cancer in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of Australia: an overview. Cancer series no.78. Cat. no. CAN 75. Canberra: AIHW.
  2. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. 2015. The health and welfare of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples 2015. Cat. no. IHW 147. Canberra: AIHW.
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