UQ’s First Nations Cancer and Wellbeing Research Team highlighted the cancer burden faced by First Nations peoples at this year’s Clinical Oncology Society of Australia Annual Scientific Meeting (COSA ASM).
- by Lauren Seden
The COSA ASM is Australia’s premier cancer meeting, with participation from doctors, nurses, allied health professionals and scientists working in cancer care and research nationally and internationally.
This was the first face to face COSA ASM since 2019 and the theme was Equitable cancer care for all: Gender, identity, culture, geography, and disease should not matter. The program was held in Brisbane from 2-4 November and featured a variety of presentations, panel discussions, workshops, and poster exhibitions.
UQ Professor of Indigenous Health Research Gail Garvey led a panel discussion on the draft Australian Cancer Plan (ACP), a 10-year plan developed by Cancer Australia to identify and address critical issues in cancer control, with a key focus on improving equity in cancer outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
“Eliminating racism in cancer care is at the core of the issues, we need to change the culture of the system," said Professor Garvey.
“Increasing the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce is critical to achieving the ACP, but don't make the mistake of thinking everything related to First Nations people is the responsibility of just First Nations people; it is the responsibility of us all."
Another highlight was a session on Indigenous peoples' health and cancer co-chaired by Professor Garvey and Desmond McGrady, a Kamilaroi man and cancer survivor. This was an engaging session that included Dr Sue Crengle, sharing insights into the Māori experience of cancer, and UQ’s Professor Kwun Fong who discussed co-designing lung cancer screening into practice for First Nations Australians.
Members of the team found the conference thought-provoking and a great event to connect with and learn from other professionals who are passionate about equity in cancer prevention and control.