Cancer

Cancer is a term used for a variety of diseases that cause damage to the cells of the body [24363]. Normally cells grow and multiply in a controlled way, but cancer causes cells to grow and multiply in an uncontrolled way. If these damaged cells spread into surrounding areas or to different parts of the body, they are known as malignant. Some cancers can be treated, but the effectiveness of treatment and survival rates may vary between different types of cancer [24363][44306].

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experience inequities in cancer outcomes due to various social, environmental and commercial determinants of health, alongside the on-going impacts of colonisation. Although Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are aware of many behavioural risk factors associated with cancer, such as consuming an inadequate diet, alcohol consumption and smoking [47950], engaging in these risks can be driven by social factors such as racism and discrimination [49154][47115].

To improve cancer outcomes among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cancer plan advocates for:

• shared decision-making and partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations
• an adequate, stable, well-trained and well-resourced Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce
• community-led, culturally informed, place-based health promotion initiatives, including activities that increase cancer screening rates
• culturally safe health services and continuity of care
• a culturally informed evidence base to help inform decision-making [47950].