An Indigenous-led University of Queensland research team will receive $5 million dollars in funding to achieve equity in cancer screening for First Nations people.
Cancer is a leading cause of death among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the mortality gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people continues to widen.
With the funding to last five years, the project, led by proud Kamilaroi woman Professor Gail Garvey, will aim improve screening, the simple tests undertaken to detect early cancer warning signs.
“Our aim is to co-design, co-implement and evaluate strategies to achieve equity in cancer screening for Australia’s First people,” Prof Garvey said.
“Access to equitable, safe, and timely models of care to prevent cancer will make health and wellbeing achievable in our communities.”
Garvey stressed however that the success of such programs are dependent on their being develoded in partnership with communities.
“We are working to co-design screening programs with First Nations peoples, rather than implementing a one-size-fits-all approach.”
Assistant Minister for Indigenous Australians and Assistant Minister for Indigenous Health Senator Malarndirri McCarthy said the investment in a project led by a First Nations researcher would help find lasting solutions to health inequities.
“Cancer screening saves lives. Investigating more effective ways to detect cancer early will go a long way in ensuring treatment and care is provided at critical times,” the Yanyuwa woman said.
“Increasing participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in cancer screening processes that are culturally relevant will help reduce this significant health burden and save lives.”
The grant was one of 10, with a total of $50 million invested through the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Synergy Grant Schemes to find answers and solutions to major challenges and questions in human health.
NHMRC Chief Executive, Professor Steve Wesselingh praised Professor Garvey and her team on the research project.
“NHMRC continues to support excellence, creativity and innovation – and I’d like to personally congratulate Professor Garvey and her team on this fascinating research project,” said Prof Wesselingh.
“NHMRC’s vision is to reduce equity gaps in research, and support consumer and community engagement – which is exactly what this project will achieve.”
