Funding is targeting language barriers, information accessibility and research to improve cancer outcomes for culturally and linguistically diverse communities and First Nations people.
The New South Wales Government has committed $770,000 towards the Australian Centre for Cancer Equity (AcCE), a collaborative research partnership addressing cancer disparities working in early prevention to access to care and clinical trials.
Cancer remains a leading cause of death among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across Australia, and disproportionate health concern compared to non-Indigenous Australians.
In NSW, Aboriginal people are 1.5 times more likely to be diagnosed with cancer, and twice as likely to die from cancer.
Similarly disproportionate rates and impacts exist for other culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities.
"Bringing together leading researchers, clinicians, consumers and community, this founding partnership will focus on ensuring that every person in NSW regardless of where they live, their background, or circumstances has access to personalised and high-quality cancer care," NSW Minister for Medical Research and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said.
"Driven by data and research, the Australian Centre for Cancer Equity will drive collaborative solutions that address unacceptable inequities in cancer outcomes across our state, ensuring no one is left behind."
AcCE was established in 2024 in partnership between the Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, South Western Sydney Local Health District and Cancer Institute NSW.
It's acknowledged people from CALD communities can experience barriers to cancer screenings and care, desipte diagnosis rates for infection-related cancers being twice as high in these communitiues.
Disproportionate impact also exists for people living in remote and regional areas, and people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
$150,000 in the funding will go towards start up activities via the Cancer Institute NSW.
Over a quarter of a million will fund a 'chat bot' project, designed to translate complex documents into accessible information in multiple languages.
The project is set to be co-designed with communities.
$360,000 will go towards a program supporting links between CALD communities and the healthcare system for increased research via community ambassadors.
"The burden of cancer in Australia has nearly doubled over the past two decades, but its impact is not felt equally. Certain communities carry a disproportionate burden, shaped by cultural, social, economic, environmental and structural factorsm," Cancer Institute NSW cheif executive Professor Tracey O'Brien said.
Professor O'Brien is the state's chief cancer officer.
"Everyone deserves to have access to the same resources and services regardless of their background and the only way to address inequities in cancer care and outcomes is to partner with disadvantaged communities," he said.
"Led by clinicians and researchers at SWSLHD and the Ingham Institute, who are internationally renowned for partnering with communities and addressing inequitable healthcare, the Australian Centre for Cancer Equity, provides the framework to help us drive lasting change in cancer outcomes."
