Browsing by Author "Arley B."
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Item "I'm a survivor": Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cancer survivors' perspectives of cancer survivorship.(2020-03-20) Meiklejohn J.A.; Bailie R.; Adams J.; Garvey G.; Bernardes C.M.; Williamson D.; Marcusson B.; Arley B.; Martin J.H.; Walpole E.T.; Valery P.C.Background: Disparity in outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people after cancer diagnosis is multifactorial, including lower cancer screening participation, later diagnosis, reduced access and uptake of cancer treatment, higher rate of comorbidities, and barriers accessing the health system. Little is known about cancer survivorship experiences. Objective(s): The aim of this study was to explore Indigenous Australian cancer survivor's perspectives of cancer survivorship. Method(s): Indigenous people who completed cancer treatment 6 months to 5 years before fieldwork were recruited from a tertiary hospital and remote primary health service for this qualitative study. Data collection was guided by yarning methods, a culturally appropriate method emphasizing storytelling. Data were interpreted using a social constructionist framework. Result(s): Thirteen women and 6 men were interviewed. Participants' past experiences contributed to their specific identity as survivors. Participants described factors affecting a positive transition from cancer patient to cancer survivor and the importance of ongoing family support in helping to manage survivorship. Finally, participants described a range of community support they received and provided to others and how this improved their cancer survivorship. Conclusion(s): Although a range of experiences are presented, this study provides evidence that the survivorship perspectives of Indigenous cancer survivors may be, in part, shared by non-Indigenous cancer survivors. Implications for Practice: Acknowledging Indigenous cancer survivors' past experiences and how these influence their overall well-being is important for providing patient-centered and culturally appropriate care. Nurses and other healthcare professionals may use this knowledge to foster a range of coping strategies to assist Indigenous cancer survivors to live well.Copyright © 2020 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.Item The development of an Indigenous cancer network - lessons learned.(2015-11-17) Morris B.; Reed B.; Gall A.; Arley B.; Cunningham J.; Garvey G.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 buyin, 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.