Cancer in Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander People

​In Australia, we have one of the best health systems in the world but Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are still 40% more likely to die from cancer than other Australians.

⚠️There are many reasons for this cancer gap.  

Cancer screening rates are 20% lower across all screening programs. Lower screening participation means more advanced disease at diagnosis, which is harder to cure and there are more complications related to treatment.

Barriers to cancer care relate to social disadvantage and lack of access to health services. Financial and transport issues, lower health literacy, comorbidities, and rural and remoteness all play a part. A range of political, sociocultural and health care system failures are also responsible for poorer cancer outcomes.

❤️Solutions require listening to and empowering Aboriginal people and supporting their right to self-determination, guided by Aboriginal leaders, driving their own projects for community.

👋Cancer equality is everyone’s business!

Things that we can all do to help close the gap include:
🔵Celebrate #naidocweek and get involved!
🔵Listen to Aboriginal people and acknowledge Australia’s devastating history
🔵Find out more about culture (Marcia Langton’s ‘Welcome to Country’ is a great place to start)
🔵Call out racism when you see it, our silence means we are complicit in perpetuating inequality
🔵Learn how to be a good ally and start some conversations @nswrc @reconciliationaus @aushumanrights @amnestyaustralia @closethegapcampaign

#naidoc2021 #naidocweek2021 #healcountry #closethegap #cancereducation #cancerawareness #cancerfacts #cancermyths #cyclingdoctor #australiandoctors #generalpractice #rideforcancer #letscurecancer #curingcancer #changinglives #1in3preventable

NAIDOC artwork by @ngalindou

@yerinedahc @lowitja_institute @ahmrc_nsw @ungoorooaboriginalcorporation @tourdecureaus @gcoombes @markberetta @yourfamilydoctors @aihw.gov.au @cancer__australia @the_racgp @customs4cancer @bowelcanceraustralia @cancercouncilnsw