Cancer
Improving cancer care so it supports the unique journey and values of every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person
What we do
Our commitment is to improve cancer outcomes in our communities. We do this in collaboration with members, affiliates and other key stakeholders to develop national solutions to improve all cancer-related health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
“Cancer is challenging. There is no time to waste. Working together must start today.”
– Dawn Casey, NACCHO Deputy CEO
Our initiatives
Cancer is the leading cause of death among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, accounting for 23.4% of all losses.
For reference, see the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Performance Framework – Summary report.
Cancer program
The Cancer program works with members and affiliates on cancer prevention, screening, early diagnosis, treatment, and comprehensive community support, to improve all cancer-related health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
This program begins our national journey toward the elimination of inequitable and avoidable differences between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other Australians in cancer prevention, screening, treatment and supportive care.
We are grateful to everyone who joins us on the journey ahead.
National lung cancer screening program
Information about the new National Lung Cancer Screening Program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, communities, and community-controlled health organisations.
Bowel cancer screening program
The primary goal of the bowel cancer screening program is to drive increased participation in bowel cancer screening among community members.
This program provides comprehensive training and support to ACCHO staff, equipping them with the knowledge and tools needed to distribute screening kits directly to community members. Additionally, it enables bulk ordering of kits for greater convenience.
Participating member services tailor bowel cancer communications and resources and develop locally targeted campaigns that engage local audiences. This has been critical to the increased numbers of people getting screened
Cancer plan
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cancer Plan intends to change cancer experiences and create a new foundation for partnership in Australia’s national approach to cancer control.
National cervical screening awareness campaign
Cervical Cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. Through cervical screening, early detection can significantly reduce rates of cervical cancer and save lives.
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.
Canteen partnership
Working together to improve the level of cancer support provided to young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people impacted by cancer. The project objectives include:
- developing ACCHO sector cancer policies and programs informed by meaningful engagement with young people, their families, and communities
- working collaboratively across stakeholder groups to ensure positive outcomes for communities.
** Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Performance Framework Summary report 2023. [Online] 8 August 2023. [Cited: 13 September 2023.] https://www.indigenoushpf.gov.au/getattachment/4a44660b-5db7-48d0-bcec- 1e0a49b587fc/2023-july-ihpf-summary-report.pdf. 2 Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. 1.08 Cancer.
Our approach
NACCHO’s cancer care strategy is guided by the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, with a focus on the four Priority Reforms that seek to reduce disparities in health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. By prioritising evidence-based processes, capacity building, and collaboration with ACCHOs and key stakeholders, NACCHO ensures the delivery of culturally appropriate cancer prevention, early diagnosis, treatment, and holistic support programs.
Our impact
Cancer remains the leading cause of death among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, with diagnosis rates for cancers such as liver, cervical, and lung more than twice that of other Australians. The avoidable mortality rate is also more than three times higher, a disparity that continues to widen, particularly in remote areas.
At this critical juncture, NACCHO and the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health sector are driving efforts to improve cancer prevention and care. Through the collaborative development of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cancer Plan, NACCHO, alongside ACCHOs and key stakeholders, is committed to reducing cancer incidence and improving outcomes through culturally safe programs that encompass prevention, screening, early diagnosis, treatment, and comprehensive community support.
Significant strides have been made, including the expansion of cancer screening programs, improvement in early diagnosis rates, and enhanced community-based support for patients and families. While challenges remain in achieving parity, these efforts have led to measurable improvements in health outcomes and better access to critical cancer care services. NACCHO’s work continues to bring us closer to health equity for all Australians.
Resources
NACCHO’s Cancer program resource library offers publications, training modules, and tools to support communities and health professionals in preventing and managing cancer.
ACCHO locations
NACCHO oversees a network of 146 members, each running Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) across urban, regional, and remote Australia. These ACCHOs range from large facilities with multiple healthcare professionals providing comprehensive services to smaller centres focused on preventive care and health education, primarily delivered by Aboriginal Health Workers and nurses.
NACCHO’s Aged Care programs are delivered in selected locations across its network, ensuring culturally appropriate care reaches Elders and older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in diverse urban, regional, and remote communities.
Contact
For any inquiries or assistance, please contact the Cancer Team here: cancer.team@naccho.org.au.
