Access to information and treatment for blood cancer care is not equal for all Australians. Studies show that First Nations peoples experience multiple challenges in accessing health care.
Knowing how and where to get help is important to support you throughout your blood cancer journey. Many hospitals and treatment centres have First Nations peoples’ artworks, displays, imagery, books, flags, and posters. This indicates the organisation is First Nations inclusive. They have resources to help you navigate your life with blood cancer.
Your cultural identity, beliefs and values are important when making decisions about your care. Talk to your treatment team so they understand your values and decisions. Or you may have an Elder or someone from your family who is the decision maker for you, let the doctors or nurses know and they will include them in the decisions being made. Involve spiritual and traditional healers if they play a role in your well-being.
Who can help?
Some hospitals and treatment centres have an Aboriginal hospital liaison officer and/or Aboriginal Health Worker. They can provide:
- Cultural support.
- Information about hospital services, such as Centrelink.
- Refer to other organisations, including culturally appropriate community organisations.
- Help with transport and accommodation if needed.
Our Mob and Cancer website has information created by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in collaboration with Cancer Australia. The help and support page provides information on:
- Travel and accommodation
- Money worries
- Yarning with someone (13YARN)
- Yarning with your treatment team
For information about blood cancer the Leukaemia Foundation have booklets designed with and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients.
Common words used in cancer care
There are many medical terms used in cancer care that can be difficult to understand. Sometimes your treatment team will use words that are new to you. If the information is not clear, then ask your treatment team to explain it in plain language. Or ask for an interpreter if you require one.
These links have explanations of some common words used in cancer care:
Question to ask
Some questions to ask your treatment team:
- Is there an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander health worker and/or liaison officer at this treatment centre/hospital? Can someone contact them for me?
- Can I bring my family, or a friend/carer with me to medical appointments?
- Do you have information on my blood cancer that is culturally appropriate? If not, where can I access it?
- Do you have information on my treatment that is culturally appropriate? If not, where can I access it?
- Can you write down the information we have talked about?
- Here is a list of my traditional healing medication/practices. Is there anything that may affect my treatment?
Helpful videos
Watch the following videos on what to expect when you have treatment. The videos are adapted content from our First Nations booklets.
What to expect from your treatment
Looking after yourself and treatment side effects
First Nations information and resources
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Changes in your blood
pdf / 19.88 MB
-
Getting the test results
pdf / 16.37 MB
-
Blood cell transplants: Autografts
pdf / 19.05 MB
-
Blood cell transplants: Allografts
pdf / 21.68 MB
- Chemotherapy (Our Mob and Cancer)
- What is chemotherapy?
- Radiotherapy (Our Mob and Cancer)
- What is radiotherapy?
- Targeted therapy (Our Mob and Cancer)
- Immunotherapy (Our Mob and Cancer)
- Beginning the Journey – Introduction to radiation & chemotherapy treatment (youtube.com)
-
When I have chemo
pdf / 32.43 MB
- What is Palliative Care? (youtube.com)
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Discussion Starter Booklet – Palliative Care Australia
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Palliative Care Resources – Palliative Care Australia
- Advance Care Plans
- Deciding where to be cared for
- Our Mob and Cancer – Sorry Business (youtube.com)
- Peace at the end of life (youtube.com)
References
- For Health Professionals | Cancer in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People – Our mob and cancer
- Culturally safe communication skills tips for non-Indigenous health professionals (canceraustralia.gov.au)
- Cultural perspectives – Cancer – Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet (ecu.edu.au)
- NACCHO Cancer Plan Oct2023
- Optimal care pathway for aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with cancer (canceraustralia.gov.au)
- Optimal care pathway for aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with cancer – the guide (canceraustralia.gov.au)
