Cancer survivors from the Murri community and surrounding health organisations have participated in the inaugural walk for cancer in Brisbane's Musgrave Park.
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death for Indigenous Australians, who are one-and-a-half-times more likely to die from the disease than non-Indigenous Australians.
The walk for cancer was led by Indigenous cancer survivors, representatives from the Menzies School of Health Research, Cancer Council Queensland, and community controlled health services.
Breast cancer survivor Fay Gundy said people have to remain positive when fighting the disease.
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"I went through chemo all last year, and I must say you have to be positive. You have to go in with positive thinking, I'm going to get through this, I'm going to do this," she said.
Authorities say many Indigenous Australians are diagnosed far too late, after ignoring cancer warning signs.
Indigenous researcher, Professor Gail Garvey says prevention is crucial to increasing survival rates.
"Eat well, eat lots of fruit and vegetables, do lots of exercise, try and give up the smokes and that's the best prevention for cancer. But if you feel something's not right, if you feel a bit of a lump or you’re coughing up some blood, go and see your Aboriginal medical service, go and talk to your G-P or go and have a conversation with the health worker about what to do next. That's the best thing you can do, and go and do it early. Don't wait," Ms Garvey said.
The Brisbane event was held to dismiss myths surrounding the disease. This will also be the main focus of World Cancer Day tomorrow.
