The latest data from the Victorian Cancer Registry (housed at Cancer Council Victoria) shows Aboriginal Victorians are twice as likely to be diagnosed with, and 3.4 times more likely to die from, cancer than non-Aboriginal Victorians.
Lung and liver cancers are disproportionately impacting Aboriginal Victorians in both incidence and mortality.
The greater mortality rates experienced by Aboriginal Victorians reflect those cancers for which, incidence is higher, but may also be associated with diagnoses occurring at more advanced disease stage. This could reflect problems around timely access to treatment and lower participation in cancer screening programs.
At Cancer Council Victoria we want to reduce inequities. Our commitments towards this are set out in our Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
Our progress towards reconciliation is demonstrated throughout this Stretch RAP as we work to strengthen our commitment to equity, partnership and cultural safety across all areas of our work.
Guided by the knowledge and leadership of community, we will continue our close collaboration with VACCHO and others across the Aboriginal health sector as we implement this plan.
To view more of our work visit www.cancervic.org.au/aboriginal-communities