Cancer Australia has released a new, first of its kind, Optimal Care Pathway, which identifies core approaches to ensure quality care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with cancer and improve their cancer treatment experience and outcomes.
Cancer is the third leading cause of fatal burden of disease for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are, on average, 40 per cent more likely to die from cancer than non-Indigenous Australians.
Healthcare that is patient-focused, and that is respectful of and responsive to the preferences, needs and values of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, is critical to good health care outcomes.