Cancer - NACCHO

NACCHO Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cancer Plan

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples experience different health outcomes to non-Indigenous Australians. Not only are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples more likely to be diagnosed with cancer, but they are also likely to receive care that doesn’t meet their needs and have worse cancer outcomes.

A specific approach tailored to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their Communities was needed. This Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cancer Plan was co-designed with the ACCHO sector to change cancer experiences and create a new foundation for partnership in Australia’s national approach to cancer control.

To develop this Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cancer Plan, NACCHO undertook extensive consultations with the ACCHO sector and other stakeholders across the country. Consultations highlighted the need to focus on structural reform including sustainable funding, increasing accessibility of services and ensuring mainstream cancer centres are culturally safe and responsive. NACCHO also learned from the lived experience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals, their families and Community leaders.

Culturally informed, Community-led solutions offer the greatest hope for change.

Please contact the NACCHO Cancer Team if you have any questions about the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cancer Plan cancer.team@naccho.org.au

Download Cancer Plan

Cancer Programs

NACCHO Cancer Program

Working with ACCHOs to continue to improve cancer-related health outcomes across prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, and support.

National Lung Cancer Screening Program

National Cervical Screening Awareness Campaign

Bowel Cancer Screening Program

Bowel cancer screening information and resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, Communities, and community-controlled health organisations.

Palliative Care

Engaging with ACCHOs and stakeholders to understand Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s experiences of supportive and end-of-life care and develop a national approach to palliative care.

Our Impact

Cancer is the leading cause of death of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The risk of cancer diagnosis, including liver, cervical, and lung cancers, is more than twice as high as that of other Australians. Additionally, the avoidable mortality rate among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is over three times that of other Australians, and this gap continues to widen, especially in remote areas.

Australia faces a critical juncture in the efforts to enhance cancer prevention and care. NACCHO and the Aboriginal community-controlled health sector have pivotal roles in devising and implementing effective programs for cancer prevention, screening, early diagnosis, treatment, and comprehensive community support. The establishment of culturally-safe referral pathways for cancer diagnosis and treatment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is also imperative.

Through the collaborative development of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cancer Plan, NACCHO, alongside the ACCHO sector and key stakeholders, aims to improve equitable cancer outcomes in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations.

Our Approach

The National Agreement on Closing the Gap 2020–2030 and its four Priority Reforms provide the foundation of our approach to reducing cancer incidence and improving cancer outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations. These reforms aim to address disparities and achieve health and life expectancy outcomes equivalent to other Australians.

We prioritise evidence-based processes and program design, engage in collaboration and co-design, and invest in capacity building to enhance the sector’s ability to support individuals and families dealing with cancer. We also advocate for improved health outcomes in partnership with the Government and key stakeholders.

Working closely with ACCHOs across Australia, our Cancer team leads comprehensive programs covering prevention, screening, early diagnosis, treatment, and holistic support for community members.

Committees

In August 2024, the first meeting for the Cancer Expert Working Group (CEWG) was held. The purpose of the group is to provide evidence based medical and health advice which contributes to the delivery of appropriate health care and optimal health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The CEWG comprises of a range of members with expertise in various fields including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health including cancer prevention, screening, treatment and/or palliative services, Service Delivery for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health. Members also bring expertise in clinical medicine, health promotion and other relevant areas within the ACCHO sector.

The CEWG convenes bi monthly to provide ongoing strategic advice and direction for the program.

If you have any questions, please contact the NACCHO Cancer team cancer.team@naccho.org.au