Bid to boost Indigenous cancer survival rates

Researchers say despite better cancer survival rates in the wider community, Indigenous Australians continue to experience much poorer outcomes.

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The University of Western Australia's School of Primary, Aboriginal and Rural Health Care is investigating different models of cancer treatment and how they could be used to boost Indigenous survival rates.

Preliminary research indicates Aboriginal people often have to cope with long distances to get treatment, a fear of leaving their own country and a lack of understanding about the disease.

UWA's Professor Sandy Thompson told Hannah Sinclair while these problems are common to many people diagnosed with cancer, Aboriginal people have additional needs.

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