Cancer Australia has launched the country’s first comprehensive cancer website developed by and for Indigenous Australians in a bid to boost health outcomes and care.
Chief Executive of Cancer Australia, Dorothy Keefe said that from inception the Our Mob and Cancer platform incorporated the voices and experiences of Indigenous Australians affected by cancer, the Community, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Expert Reference Group, and Leadership Group on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cancer Control.
“We have built an extensive range of culturally respectful and safe resources, awareness messaging, videos and guidance for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people,” Professor Keefe said.
Welcoming the platform, Assistant Minister for Indigenous Health, Malarndirri McCarthy said the new website provided culturally-safe support and information for patients, their families, communities and health professionals.
“The website includes critical information about how cancer affects Our Mob, ways to protect against cancer, types of cancer, diagnosis, treatment and living with cancer, how cancer spreads and where to get help and support,” Senator McCarthy said.
“In 2015-2019, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were 1.4 times more likely to die from cancer compared to non-Indigenous Australians and they experience higher incidence rates, and lower participation rates in bowel, breast, and cervical cancer population screening programs,” she said.
“The website also includes information about culturally sensitive topics around Sorry Business, Men’s and Women’s Business and Shame, and how these relate to cancer and associated health outcomes.”
Senator McCarthy said a section of the website contained guidance for health professionals on providing culturally appropriate optimal cancer care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients and outlined the importance of this in supporting the best outcomes possible.
She said more culturally appropriate and safe information about prevention, early detection, screening, treatment and support could directly translate into better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
“Cancer places a heavy burden not only on those diagnosed with the disease but also their families, carers, Elders and the community,” the Assistant Minister said.
The Our Mob and Cancer platform can be accessed at this PS News link.
