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Recognising the Gap in Accessing Radiation Therapy
National Reconciliation Week Recognising the Gap in Accessing Radiation Therapy
We were delighted to launch our most recent video conversation during National Reconciliation Week 2022 (27 May–3 June). This work presents our Targeting Cancer Campaign Ambassador Julie McCrossin AM together with Lynne Thorne, an Aboriginal Cancer Health Practitioner in Adelaide to underscore the issues that affect Indigenous patients and contribute to inequality in accessing radiation therapy.
The theme of National Reconciliation Week 2022, “Be Brave. Make Change.” is a challenge to Australians—individuals, families, communities, organisations and government—to Be Brave and tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation so we can Make Change for the benefit of all Australians.
The radiation oncology community is taking up the challenge to recognise the gap that the Indigenous population has in accessing radiation therapy for cancer treatment.
When asked if Aboriginal cancer patients are struggling to get the radiation therapy they need, Lynne Thorne said: “Yes, these cancer patients have to leave their home and travel far to receive treatment. Land is very spiritual for them and leaving their home feels like losing their spirit.”
The video launch in National Reconciliation Week 2022 is one step on the multi-faceted journey to deliver on the College's Action Plan for Māori, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health since its launch in 2021.
In addition, the College has also secured funding under the Commonwealth government’s Flexible Approach to Training in Expanded Settings Measure to support Australia’s first Indigenousled initiative to provide peer and collegiate support to non-GP doctors in training.
The College is proud to partner with the Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association which will lead the development of its non-GP Specialist Trainee Support Program (STSP). It is central to have Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives and views if we are to achieve the goals set and deliver a successful program.
With this program, we will open the way for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors to enter and navigate training pathways, examination preparation, clinical training, providing a network of peer support, professional development, cultural development, and the opportunity to be mentored by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Fellows.
The program will also help build the capacity of non-Indigenous Fellows to provide culturally safe supervision and mentoring support. It will augment the recruitment and retention of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander doctors who wish to commence or are currently undertaking non-GP specialist medical training.
To learn more: Indigenous Health and Engagement | RANZCR
