Cultural perspectives

The challenges experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with cancer are well documented [1]. For many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, cancer is associated with death, and holds negative connotations due to stigma and fear surrounding the disease [1][2][3]. As such, it is important to offer culturally safe and responsive health care, to ensure a more positive experience and better health outcomes [4].

Cancer care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be multidisciplinary, flexible and strength based [5]. Central to this approach is the need to understand and respect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s philosophies of health and wellbeing as holistic concepts, and ensure knowledge, values and beliefs are at the core of the delivery of care [4].

Care coordination that is informed by cultural factors such as traditional healing, connection to Country, gender, kinship and family ties can support positive health outcomes [4][5]. In addition, consideration should be placed on appropriate mental health support and the inclusion of family, Elders and the wider community in the cancer treatment process where requested [4][5][6].

Importantly, a skilled, well-resourced Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workforce is necessary to ensure improved cancer outcomes [7]. This includes staff who demonstrate cultural safety through sensitive, trauma-informed care and culturally appropriate communication [4].