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Henningham M, Gilroy J, McGlone J, Meehan D, Nila F, McAtamney A, Buchanan T. Utilising the CREATE quality appraisal tool to analyse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' involvement and reporting of cancer research in Australia. Aust N Z J Public Health 2024; 48:100142. [PMID: 38574430 DOI: 10.1016/j.anzjph.2024.100142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to evaluate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander involvement in research focusing on cancer experiences using an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander quality appraisal tool (the QAT). METHODS We conducted a systematic review of the peer-reviewed literature on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' experiences associated with cancer, recently published elsewhere. We then appraised articles for the inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led research, community consultation, and involvement. RESULTS 91 articles were appraised. A lack of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led research and consultation was reported in the majority of articles, only 10 (11%) demonstrated success across seven (50%) or more questions of the QAT. CONCLUSIONS This review underscores the need for anti-racist research and publication practices that actively engage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and researchers. This approach is vital to enhance cancer outcomes within these communities. IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH To advance and prioritise appropriate involvement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in cancer research, the onus must be on 'systems owners,' including academic journals and institutions, to require and report genuine engagement as standard practice. Researchers will produce higher-calibre research with a strengths-based focus, advancing the cause of equitable research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandy Henningham
- Charles Perkins Centre and Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - John Gilroy
- Charles Perkins Centre and Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | | | - Drew Meehan
- Cancer Council Australia, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia
| | - Farhana Nila
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
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Taylor EV, Dugdale S, Connors CM, Garvey G, Thompson SC. "A Huge Gap": Health Care Provider Perspectives on Cancer Screening for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People in the Northern Territory. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:141. [PMID: 38397632 PMCID: PMC10887611 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21020141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Northern Territory (NT). Accessible and culturally appropriate cancer screening programs are a vital component in reducing the burden of cancer. Primary health care plays a pivotal role in facilitating the uptake of cancer screening in the NT, due to the significant challenges caused by large distances, limited resources, and cultural differences. This paper analyses health care provider perspectives and approaches to the provision of cancer screening to Aboriginal people in the NT that were collected as part of a larger study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 50 staff from 15 health services, including 8 regional, remote, and very remote primary health care (PHC) clinics, 3 hospitals, a cancer centre, and 3 cancer support services. Transcripts were thematically analysed. Cancer screening by remote and very remote PHC clinics in the NT is variable, with some staff seeing cancer screening as a "huge gap", while others see it as lower priority compared to other conditions due to a lack of resourcing and the overwhelming burden of acute and chronic disease. Conversely, some clinics see screening as an area where they are performing well, with systematic screening, targeted programs, and high screening rates. There was a large variation in perceptions of the breast screening and cervical screening programs. However, participants universally reported that the bowel screening kit was complicated and not culturally appropriate for their Aboriginal patients, which led to low uptake. System-level improvements are required, including increased funding and resourcing for screening programs, and for PHC clinics in the NT. Being appropriately resourced would assist PHC clinics to incorporate a greater emphasis on cancer screening into adult health checks and would support PHCs to work with local communities to co-design targeted cancer screening programs and culturally relevant education activities. Addressing these issues are vital for NT PHC clinics to address the existing cancer screening gaps and achieving the Australian Government pledge to be the first nation in the world to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem by 2035. The implementation of the National Lung Cancer Screening Program in 2025 also presents an opportunity to deliver greater benefits to Aboriginal communities and reduce the cancer burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma V Taylor
- Western Australian Centre for Rural Health, The University of Western Australia, Geraldton, WA 6530, Australia
| | - Sarah Dugdale
- Health Statistics and Informatics, NT Health, Darwin, NT 0800, Australia
| | | | - Gail Garvey
- The School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Sandra C Thompson
- Western Australian Centre for Rural Health, The University of Western Australia, Geraldton, WA 6530, Australia
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Chan J, Griffiths K, Turner A, Tobias J, Clarmont W, Delaney G, Hutton J, Olson R, Penniment M, Bourque JM, Brundage M, Rodin D, Slotman B, Yap ML. Radiation Therapy and Indigenous Peoples in Canada and Australia: Building Paths Toward Reconciliation in Cancer Care Delivery. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2023; 116:421-429. [PMID: 36990919 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2022.09.085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Indigenous peoples represent approximately 5% of the world's population and reside in over 90 countries worldwide. They embody a rich diversity of cultures, traditions, languages and relationships with the land that are shared through many generations and that are distinct from those of the settler societies within which they now live. Many Indigenous peoples have a shared experience of discrimination, trauma, and violation of rights, rooted in complex sociopolitical relationships with settler societies that are still ongoing. This results in continuing social injustices and pronounced disparities in health for many Indigenous peoples around the globe. Indigenous peoples exhibit a significantly higher cancer incidence, mortality, and poorer survival compared to non-Indigenous peoples. Cancer services, including radiotherapy, have not been designed to support the specific values and needs of Indigenous populations, resulting in poorer access to cancer services for Indigenous peoples globally across the entire cancer care spectrum. Specific to radiotherapy, available evidence demonstrates disparities in radiotherapy uptake between Indigenous and non-Indigenous patients. Radiotherapy centres are also located disparately further away from Indigenous communities. Studies are limited by a lack of Indigenous-specific data to help inform effective radiotherapy delivery. Recent Indigenous-led partnerships and initiatives have helped to address existing gaps in cancer care, and radiation oncologists play an important role in supporting such efforts. In this article, we present an overview of access to radiotherapy for Indigenous peoples in Canada and Australia, with a focus on strengthening cancer care delivery through education, partnerships, and research.
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Improving Access to Cancer Treatment Services in Australia’s Northern Territory—History and Progress. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19137705. [PMID: 35805361 PMCID: PMC9265828 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19137705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is the leading cause of death in the Northern Territory (NT), Australia’s most sparsely populated jurisdiction with the highest proportion of Aboriginal people. Providing cancer care to the NT’s diverse population has significant challenges, particularly related to large distances, limited resources and cultural differences. This paper describes the developments to improve cancer treatment services, screening and end-of-life care in the NT over the past two decades, with a particular focus on what this means for the NT’s Indigenous peoples. This overview of NT cancer services was collated from peer-reviewed literature, government reports, cabinet papers and personal communication with health service providers. The establishment of the Alan Walker Cancer Care Centre (AWCCC), which provides radiotherapy, chemotherapy and other specialist cancer services at Royal Darwin Hospital, and recent investment in a PET Scanner have reduced patients’ need to travel interstate for cancer diagnosis and treatment. The new chemotherapy day units at Alice Springs Hospital and Katherine Hospital and the rapid expansion of tele-oncology have also reduced patient travel within the NT. Access to palliative care facilities has also improved, with end-of-life care now available in Darwin, Alice Springs and Katherine. However, future efforts in the NT should focus on increasing and improving travel assistance and support and increasing the availability of appropriate accommodation; ongoing implementation of strategies to improve recruitment and retention of health professionals working in cancer care, particularly Indigenous health professionals; and expanding the use of telehealth as a means of delivering cancer care and treatment.
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Delaney GP, Barton MB. Great expectations or waiting for Godot? Time for development of a near real-time national reporting system of radiotherapy utilisation. J Med Imaging Radiat Oncol 2022; 66:826-829. [PMID: 35610753 DOI: 10.1111/1754-9485.13437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Geoff P Delaney
- South Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW, Australia.,South Western Sydney Clinical School, University of NSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Michael B Barton
- South Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW, Australia.,South Western Sydney Clinical School, University of NSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Borras JM, Font R, Solà J, Macia M, Tuset V, Arenas M, Eraso A, Verges R, Farré N, Pedro A, Mollà M, Algara M, Solé JM, Mira M, Espinàs JA. Impact of non-adherence to radiotherapy on 1-year survival in cancer patients in Catalonia, Spain. Radiother Oncol 2020; 151:200-205. [PMID: 32771615 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2020.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aims to assess the effects of non-adherence to external beam radiation therapy in cancer patients receiving treatment with a curative. METHODS This retrospective cohort study collected health records data for all cancer patients treated with external beam radiotherapy with curative intent in 2016 in Catalonia, Spain. Adherence was defined as having received at least 90% of the total dose prescribed. A logistic regression model was used to assess factors related to non-adherence, and its association with one-year survival was evaluated using Cox regression. RESULTS The final sample included 8721 patients (mean age 63.6 years): breast cancer was the most common tumour site (38.1%), followed by prostate and colon/rectum. Treatment interruptions prolonged the total duration of therapy in 70.7% of the patients, and 1.0% were non-adherent. Non-adherence was associated with advanced age, female gender, and some localization of primary tumour (head and neck, urinary bladder, and haematological cancers). The risk of death in non-adherent patients was higher than in adherent patients (hazard ratio [HR] 1.63, 95% confidence interval 0.97-2.74), after adjusting for the potential confounding effect of age, gender, tumour site and comorbidity. CONCLUSION Non-adherence to radiotherapy, as measured by the received dose, is very low in our setting, and it may have an impact on one-year survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josep M Borras
- Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Barcelona and Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Spain.
| | - Rebeca Font
- Cancer Strategy, Department of Health, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Judit Solà
- Cancer Strategy, Department of Health, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miquel Macia
- Radiation Oncology Department, Institut Català d'Oncologia, Hospital Duran i Reynals, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Victòria Tuset
- Radiation Oncology Department, Institut Català d'Oncologia, Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Spain
| | - Meritxell Arenas
- Radiation Oncology Department, Hospital Universitari Sant Joan de Reus, Spain; Faculty of Medicine, University of Rovira i Virgili, Spain
| | - Arantxa Eraso
- Radiation Oncology Department, Institut Català d'Oncologia, Hospital Trueta, Girona, Spain
| | - Ramona Verges
- Radiation Oncology Department, Hospital Universitari de la Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nuria Farré
- Radiation Oncology Department, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Agustin Pedro
- Radiation Oncology Department, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Meritxell Mollà
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Manel Algara
- Radiation Oncology Department, Hospital del Mar, Radiation Oncology Research Group, IMIM and Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep M Solé
- Radiation Oncology Department, Consorci Sanitari Terrassa- Hospital General Catalunya- Hospital Manresa, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Moises Mira
- Radiation Oncology Department, H.U. Arnau de Vilanova, Lleida, Spain
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