Improving cancer outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women diagnosed with gynaecological cancers (2023–2028)
Abstract:
Cancer is a leading cause of illness and death among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and an increasing health and wellbeing priority. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are 1.7x as likely to be diagnosed with and 2x as likely to die of gynaecological cancers, relative to other Australian women. Reducing this disparity will require evidence-based action across the cancer care continuum. The vision of this research program is to address this disparity and improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women diagnosed with gynaecological cancers via research led by and with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. Guided by an Indigenist research approach, this research program will: 1) improve cancer prevention and earlier diagnosis for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women through enhanced awareness of gynaecological cancer signs, symptoms and risks; 2) improve the quality of gynaecological cancer treatment and survivorship care through optimal, culturally safe, supportive, and affordable care. Research objectives are to: understand women¿s views of the signs, symptoms, protective and risk factors of gynaecological cancers; develop and evaluate culturally-appropriate cancer literacy resources to raise awareness of gynaecological cancer signs and symptoms among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people; develop methodology to assess patterns of cancer care against Optimal Care Pathways; and to understand Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women¿s experiences of cancer survivorship to inform service delivery. Ongoing translation of evidence into policy and practice will promote timely and enduring improvements in gynaecological cancer outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. As an Aboriginal early career researcher, this research program will provide opportunities to scale up my emerging leadership, impact, and research trajectory.
