'We just don't talk about it': Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' perceptions of cancer in regional Queensland.
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Date
2022-03-29
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Affiliation(s)
(Meiklejohn) Orange Sky Australia, Remote and Indigenous Services Program, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
(Arley) Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
(Pratt, Valery, Bernardes) QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Rd, Herston, Queensland, Australia
(Arley) Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
(Pratt, Valery, Bernardes) QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Rd, Herston, Queensland, Australia
Year
2019
Citation
Rural and Remote Health. Vol.19(2), 2019.
Journal
Rural and Remote Health
Conference name
Conference location
Grant information
No: #1041111 Organisation: (NHMRC) National Health and Medical Research Council Organisation No: 501100000925 Country: Australia
Abstract
Introduction: Disparities in cancer outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people are well reported. Some Australian Indigenous communities' beliefs about cancer may influence health behaviours, support for those with cancer and,ultimately, treatment outcomes. This project was instigated by request of a cultural adviser from a regional Queensland community and aims to make community perceptions of cancer visible, facilitate development of resources representing these perceptions and briefly evaluate the project from the community's perspective. Method(s): The project was guided by qualitative, participatory and visual research methodology. Community participation was engaged by identifying community champions who helped recruit interested community members and continued project momentum. The project was defined and driven by community, and a consensus decision making approach was used to select resources or activities to represent community perceptions of cancer and raise cancer awareness. Qualitative data were collected from yarning groups at two community forums and subsequent group sessions to explore and define community perceptions of cancer. Informed consent was obtained prior to audio-taped yarning groups. Data were also included from publicly available interviews broadcast on radio and television. All data about community perceptions of cancer and of the project were thematically analysed. Photovoice using cameras was the visual method chosen to capture images and stories representing community cancer beliefs. Result(s): Three main themes were derived from thematic analysis of data collected about community perceptions of cancer, identified by participants as important to improving cancer outcomes: (1) silence in the community, (2) support is important for survivorship and (3) awareness of cancer and the importance of sharing positive stories. A consensus decision-making approach resulted in the community choosing two resources to stimulate community discussion about cancer, raise awareness and reduce stigma. These were creating a community quilt, with each quilt square representing community perceptions of cancer, and producing a community calendar, with messages promoting healthy behaviours and cancer screening. The overall project was viewed as valuable for facilitating and improving the conversation about cancer with family, friends, the broader community and health professionals. Group sessions were considered important for providing a shared, safe space for support, for asking health related questions and as an instigator to share cancer related knowledge and stories with others. Conclusion(s): Silence around cancer may influence awareness and discussion about cancer, screening participation and help-seeking behaviour in this community. In this project, engaging with the community created a safe space for conversation around a previously taboo topic, which could lead to improved screening and help seeking behaviour. The role of primary health care in reducing health disparities by partnering with community to conduct awareness and prevention activities and by providing culturally appropriate care for Indigenous people is emphasised. Copyright © 2019, Rural and Remote Health. All Rights Reserved.
PubMed ID
Type
Article
Study type
Qualitative study
Subjects
Cancer