Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website contains images, voices and names of people who have passed away.
Cancer Australia has developed a range of resources to help health professionals and people who work with and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. These resources provide guidance on the delivery of best practice, culturally safe, evidence-based cancer care, support, programs and policies.
The voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are at the centre of responsive service delivery. All resources are developed in consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and organisations.
Optimal Care Pathway for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with cancer - Second edition
Cancer Australia has released the second edition of the Optimal Care Pathway for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with cancer. This revised edition highlights the importance of culturally safe and competent care and aims to reduce disparities in cancer outcomes by addressing the specific needs and challenges of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Guide to co-design with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Working in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and organisations is essential to achieving better outcomes.
This resource is for ALL people involved in designing and developing health policies, programs and services to support and benefit communities. It gives guidance about using best practice co-design approaches that enable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to take the lead at all project stages.
Culturally safe communication skills
This series of short videos and tip sheet provides practical advice for cancer care specialists to optimise culturally safe and responsive communication with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients, their families and carers.
Hear from health professionals about how to appropriately deliver a diagnosis, communicate during staging and treatment, and managing recurrent and metastatic disease.
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cancer Framework
The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cancer Framework was developed in 2015 by Cancer Australia to address the disparities in cancer outcomes between Indigenous Australians and non-Indigenous Australians. It sets out seven priority areas for action, and is designed to complement national, jurisdictional, regional and local efforts to improve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cancer outcomes.
The Australian Cancer Plan developed in 2023, builds upon the Framework, highlighting that equity in cancer outcomes can only be achieved through concerted and collaborative effort throughout Australia and across the cancer care ecosystem.
The Framework has been regularly reviewed for currency and alignment with the Australian Cancer Plan and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cancer Plan.
The Framework was developed in partnership with Menzies School of Health Research, led by Associate Professor Gail Garvey, and overseen by a Steering Group chaired by Professor Jacinta Elston.
To hear more about the Framework you may wish to listen to Professor Tom Calma, AO explain the importance of the first National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cancer Framework.
