There are still significant gaps when it comes to health services for Aboriginal people in Australia, particularly when it comes to cancer diagnosis and treatment. Developed in consultation with governments and Aboriginal Controlled Community Health Services (ACCHSs) is a designated Aboriginal Cancer Primary Care program. The program hopes to address these major health challenges for Aboriginal Australians by raising awareness and guiding local health services.
Cancer in Aboriginal Australians
According to Cancer Australia, roughly 5 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are diagnosed with a form of cancer. While this number is only slightly higher than the diagnosis rate for non-Aboriginal Australians, it’s in the mortality rate that lies the greatest concern.Despite only a slightly higher rate of diagnosis, Aboriginal Australians are 40% more likely to die from cancer than non-Aboriginal Australians. It’s an alarming statistic and reflects many issues surrounding access to health services, medical education programs and more that affect Aboriginal Australians more.
Building skills in communities
Improving the quality of and access to health services for Aboriginal communities is everybody’s job. However, one of the best places to start making progress is in the communities themselves. The Aboriginal Cancer Primary Care program frequently engages with members of the Aboriginal Controlled Health Services (ACCHS) sector through forums and workshops. These sessions are designed to improve the community’s skills, knowledge and networks.
In addition, planning sessions occur regularly with Aboriginal health professionals, community members and other services. Building the skills within communities is crucial on the journey to improving services. The opportunity for networks to come together is also important for improving Aboriginal cancer awareness and initiatives.
Information and support initiatives
The program also works closely with ACCHSs on local programs and initiatives. Whether it’s assisting a local health service to increase cancer awareness in the community or even running a program to promote smoking cessation in the community, there is help available. Each community has its own priority issues, and it’s all about providing the right support to local ACCHSs to achieve more positive outcomes for Aboriginal Australians.
Resource and information sharing
The Aboriginal Cancer Primary Care program acknowledges the importance of information sharing within the Aboriginal health sector. It regularly communicates with its large network, offering workforce upskilling opportunities, workshops, seminars and more. Importantly, it also shares important resources relating to Aboriginal health.
The program’s network includes community members, Aboriginal health experts, representatives and workers from the Aboriginal Controlled Community Health Services (ACCHS) sector. By sharing information and resources, it is hoped that more consistent services and education can become available in the communities.
Cultural expertise
While the program involves working closely with ACCHSs to improve skills, build knowledge and implement Aboriginal cancer initiatives, it also works with governments and other key stakeholders. This is to ensure that the needs of Aboriginal Australians are considered when decisions are made affecting the wider health services.
Wherever cultural expertise can be of benefit through community consultation or providing input, the Aboriginal Cancer Primary Care program is a great source of advice.
Good news stories
Last, but certainly not least, the Cancer Primary Care Program aims to share plenty of good news stories. Whether it’s inspirational individual stories or examples of successful local Aboriginal cancer initiatives, the group aims to celebrate the good news. While there is still significant work needed to reduce cancer mortality rates across the country, and particularly within Aboriginal communities, people need to hear about the good news stories. It’s these examples that give hope to others and encourage more people to spread awareness of the issues. By sharing more good news stories, the community hopes to create many, many more.
