Abstract A17: The development of an Indigenous cancer network: Lessons learned

Abstract

Cancer is the second leading cause of death among Indigenous Australians, and while non-Indigenous Australians have experienced greatly improved outcomes in cancer diagnosis, treatment and survival, this is not mirrored among Indigenous Australians. Advanced cancer at diagnosis, reduced uptake of and access to treatment, higher rates of comorbidities and language barriers are some of the factors leading to poorer cancer outcomes. A growing body of evidence indicates widespread failure of the health system to adequately prevent, diagnose and treat cancer among Indigenous Australians, and there is an increasing sense of urgency to escalate the effort to address these disparities.

In response to this, the National Indigenous Cancer Network (NICaN) was developed and launched in 2013. This presentation will discuss the challenges and successes of developing a National Indigenous Cancer Network, aimed at encouraging and supporting collaboration in Indigenous cancer research and the delivery of services to Indigenous people with cancer.

This national network was established as a partnership between Menzies School of Health Research, the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet (a national research institute specializing in translational research with a population health focus), the Lowitja Institute (Australia's national institute for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research), Cancer Council Australia (Australia's peak national non-government cancer control organization) and Indigenous audiences, consumers, researchers and health professionals, service providers, private sector and government organizations. NICaN aims to ensure that what's known about cancer in Indigenous Australians is available for use by people with cancer, their families, practitioners, policy makers and researchers. This is achieved by using existing information, identifying knowledge gaps and encouraging and supporting collaboration in research and service provision.

Since its conception NICaN has grown in scope and membership and is a critical part of the translation of Indigenous cancer research into practice. Along with NICaN network meetings and roundtables, NICaN's resources (www.cancerinfonet.org.au) include: plain language information about cancer, state and national cancer policies and cancer care plans, cancer programs and research projects, a comprehensive depository of publications and conference presentations, and workforce and training opportunities.

As NICaN has grown and evolved, there have been a number of lessons learned, challenges and successes. Key findings have included: the importance of developing and maintaining collaborative partnerships with other key players in the area; the role of cancer survivors as advocates and ambassadors; the significance of ensuring consumer buy-in, input and ongoing engagement; and the use of social media strategies to support and engage with a broader audience. NICaN has established itself as a credible, Indigenous-led, and independent (i.e., non-government, non-bureaucratic) organization aimed at increasing access to information about cancer for Indigenous people, and plays an integral role in facilitating community engagement and research translation to assist in improving cancer outcomes for Indigenous Australians.

Citation Format: Bridget Kehoe, Joan Cunningham, Bronwyn Morris, Alana Gall, Brian Arley, Gail Garvey. The development of an Indigenous cancer network: Lessons learned. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eighth AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 13-16, 2015; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2016;25(3 Suppl):Abstract nr A17.