New research from one of the country's peak cancer advocacy bodies has found Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cancer patients have a lower life expectancy than non-Indigenous Australians.
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Conducted by the Cancer Council, the research found there was an 8-year difference in the life expectancy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cancer patients, compared to non-Indigenous patients.
The research found while the average life expectancy for Indigenous Australians was 12 years, the non-Indigenous life expectancy was about 20.
Cancer Council Tasmania chief executive Penny Egan said the research showed Aboriginal people were experiencing significant disadvantages in many areas of health and wellbeing, including diagnosis and access to screening and treatment.
She said the Cancer Council of Tasmania was working with Aboriginal controlled health organisations to deliver cancer prevention services.
"We see our role in providing effective cancer prevention and supportive care services as having a real and meaningful impact for First Nations people, '' she said.
University of Queensland Professor Gail Garvey specialises in indigenous health research and said the results highlight existing concerns within the Australian healthcare system.
"These vast differences point to deficiencies in providing accessible and effective health services and cancer care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities," she said.
"These issues need to be addressed if outcomes are to improve."
Cancer Council Queensland chief executive Chris McMillan said the study highlights the need to close the health and life expectancy gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians.
"It's disappointing to see such a prevalent gap in the remaining life expectancy among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people when compared with other Australians faced with cancer," she said.
Andrew Chounding is The Examiner's Health Reporter, if you have a health-related story please email Andrew.chounding@examiner.com.au
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Andrew Chounding
An experienced multi-platform journalist focusing on the issues that impact health in Tasmania. With a background in social research and public policy, health reporting for Andrew is about ensuring the best health outcomes for the Northern Tasmanian community. Contact Andrew at: andrew.chounding@examiner.com.au or 0437 358 262
An experienced multi-platform journalist focusing on the issues that impact health in Tasmania. With a background in social research and public policy, health reporting for Andrew is about ensuring the best health outcomes for the Northern Tasmanian community. Contact Andrew at: andrew.chounding@examiner.com.au or 0437 358 262
