Cancer is the second leading cause of death among Indigenous Australians, and while non-Indigenous Australians have experienced improved outcomes in cancer diagnosis, treatment and survival, this is not mirrored among Indigenous Australians. 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 launched in 2013. This presentation will discuss challenges and successes of developing NICaN, aimed at encouraging and supporting collaboration in Indigenous cancer research and the delivery of services to Indigenous people with cancer.
NICaN is a partnership between Menzies School of Health Research, the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet (a national research institute specialising 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 organisation). 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.
Since its conception NICaN has grown in scope and membership and is a critical part of translating Indigenous cancer research into practice. There have been a number of lessons learned, challenges and successes, including: developing and maintaining collaborative partnerships with key players; role of cancer survivors as advocates and ambassadors; ensuring consumer buy-in, input and ongoing engagement; and the use of social media strategies. NICaN has established itself as a credible, Indigenous-led, and independent (i.e., non-government, non-bureaucratic) organisation aimed at increasing access to information about cancer for Indigenous people, and facilitating community engagement and research translation to assist in improving cancer outcomes for Indigenous Australians.