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We know that cancer is now the biggest killer for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and that indigenous women are less likely to survive a breast cancer diagnosis than non-indigenous women.

In this episode, we’re joined by Professor Jacinta Elston, an Aboriginal woman from Townsville who has been through breast cancer herself. Jacinta draws on her own lived experience, as well as her insights from her distinguished career in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, as we unpack the additional challenges that First People face in navigating the healthcare system with a breast cancer diagnosis.

We discuss a range of topics, from the many and varied systemic barriers that First Peoples face, to the importance of identifying as an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander in ensuring access to culturally sensitive care as well as questions that First People might ask throughout a breast cancer journey, and more.

RESOURCES:

• Sign up for the My Journey online tool to access a range of resources specifically for First Peoples.
• Visit our Online Network where you will find a dedicated discussion group for First Peoples who have been through, or are going through, breast cancer.
• Check out Cancer Australia’s ‘Cancer – what to expect: Information for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have cancer’ factsheet.
• Visit Cancer Australia’s website with information and a range of resources for First Peoples diagnosed with breast cancer.
• Learn more about the joint initiative between the Peter MacCullum Cancer Centre and BCNA to support the making of a possum skin cloak available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people going through cancer treatment at the Peter MacCullum Cancer Centre.
• Hear from some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women who share their experience of breast cancer.

Upfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Australia. Our theme music is by the late Tara Simmons, and this episode is proudly brought to you by Dry July.

Want to get in touch? Visit our website at bcna.org.au, email us at contact@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258