Blood cancer and First Nations peoples
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?
First Nations information and resources
Blood and tests
Blood stem cell transplants (autografts and allografts)
Cancer
Carers
Coping with cancer
Leukaemia
Lymphoma
Chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy
Survivorship
Palliative care
Grief
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)Last updated on August 29th, 2024
Developed by the Leukaemia Foundation in consultation with people living with a blood cancer, Leukaemia Foundation support staff, haematology nursing staff and/or Australian clinical haematologists. This content is provided for information purposes only and we urge you to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis, treatment and answers to your medical questions, including the suitability of a particular therapy, service, product or treatment in your circumstances. The Leukaemia Foundation shall not bear any liability for any person relying on the materials contained on this website.