The Cancer Network at the WA Department of Health has recently published the community consultation outcomes report for the ‘Culturally and linguistically diverse cancer information needs for consumers and carers’ project.
The Cancer Network awarded 5 grants to community organisations across WA to conduct small group discussions and interviews with CaLD consumers and carers affected by cancer to identify their cancer information needs.
In total, 175 people (and carers) from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds were consulted, and the project findings identified a range of needs, including the overarching theme to improve access and empower people and carers from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to obtain cancer information that address their health and cultural needs. Key learnings relevant to GPs included:
- GPs were an important source of information for participants and can play a key role in improving cancer screening participation amongst culturally and linguistically diverse people.
- The types of information that participants found most helpful included diagnosis and prognosis, information to help them make an informed decision, treatment costs and financial support, support services, how the Australian health system works and lifestyle changes.
- Participants preferred it when information was person-centred and delivered in stages.
The report also outlines barriers to accessing and using cancer screening services amongst culturally and linguistically diverse communities and identifies strategies to improve participation in screening.
The report and summary of key findings are available on the WA Health website here.
If you have any questions, contact the Cancer Network at cancernetwork@health.wa.gov.au.