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Western NSW health officials target Aboriginal cancer care disparities
Health officials in Western New South Wales are working to address significant disparities in cancer outcomes for Aboriginal communities. Data from the Cancer Institute NSW indicates that Aboriginal people in the state are 1.5 times more likely to be diagnosed with cancer and twice as likely to die from the disease compared to non-Aboriginal populations.
Survival rates also show a gap, with a five-year all-cause survival rate of 56 per cent for Aboriginal patients, compared to a 73 per cent average for the general population in NSW. Rod Hammond, acting director of cancer services for the Western NSW Local Health District, noted that both men and women are underrepresented in current cancer services.
To combat these disparities and address fears that often prevent community members from seeking hospital care, Hammond and Aboriginal health practitioner Daymon Bell are promoting culturally safe approaches. Hammond has applied for funding to expand the presence of Aboriginal cancer navigators across the district to improve healthcare access and support.
Entities
Cancer Institute NSW · Daymon Bell · New South Wales · Rod Hammond · Western NSW Local Health District
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The five-year all-cause survival rate for Aboriginal patients is 56 per cent, while the general NSW average is 73 per cent.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Aboriginal people in NSW are twice as likely to die from cancer compared to non-Aboriginal people.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] In New South Wales, Aboriginal people are 1.5 times more likely to be diagnosed with cancer than non-Aboriginal people.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Aboriginal men and women are underrepresented in cancer services.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Rod Hammond has applied for funding to recruit Aboriginal cancer navigators across the district.