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For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Cancer Australia acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Elders, past and present. We celebrate the ongoing connections of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to Country, culture, community, family and tradition and recognise these as integral to health, healing and wellbeing.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website contains images, voices and names of people who have passed away.

our-journeys
Artwork by Jordan Lovegrove an Ngarrindjeri artist who creates artworks for Dreamtime Creative’s clients https://dreamtimecreative.com.au/artwork/

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have a unique experience of cancer, strengthened by culture, traditions and connection to family and Country. 

Cancer has a significant impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and is now the leading cause of death.  

Cancer Australia is committed to working in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and organisations to deliver information, services and strategies to reduce the impact of cancer for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.  

Achieving equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is at the centre of the Australian Cancer Plan. 

Achieving equity needs collaborative action and shared responsibility to build a culturally safe and accessible health care system that effectively responds to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.  

“Achieving equity in cancer outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is the most significant ambition for the future of cancer care. This intention is at the heart of Australian Cancer Plan.” 

— Cancer Australia CEO, Professor Dorothy Keefe 

In this section

Quick links

Principles for co-design with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
Co-design toolkit
Supporting health policy, program and service development with and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Our Mob and Cancer Graphics
Our Mob and Cancer
Created by our mob, for our mob, in collaboration with Cancer Australia, this is a place that respects and upholds Culture, Country and Community.
Yarn for life
Real stories about cancer and finding the help you need.
Last updated 30 January 2025

Acknowledgement of country

Cancer Australia acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Elders, past and present.

We celebrate the ongoing connections of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to Country, culture, community, family and tradition and recognise these as integral to health, healing and wellbeing.

Cancer Australia acknowledges great diversity among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and the contribution of the many voices, knowledge systems and experiences that guide all efforts to create a culturally safe and responsive cancer system that is equitable to all.

Cancer Australia

Cancer Australia was established by the Australian Government in 2006 to benefit all Australians affected by cancer, and their families and carers. Cancer Australia aims to reduce the impact of cancer, address disparities and improve outcomes for people affected by cancer by leading and coordinating national, evidence-based interventions across the continuum of care.

If you would like an interpreter to help you understand any information on this website, please call TIS National on 131 450 and ask them to call Cancer Australia on 02 9357 9400. Our business hours are 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

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