Aims
The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cancer Forum in February 2020 identified increasing the knowledge and expertise of all health professionals involved in cancer prevention and care of Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander people as a key priority.
Breast Cancer: a handbook for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Health Practitioners provides guidance on breast cancer detection, diagnosis, treatment and support to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Health Practitioners (Health Workers) provide information and support to their communities.
Methods
A two-phase gap analysis was undertaken to identify priority cancer information needs for Health Workers. Phase 1 comprised an environmental scan of existing resources developed from 2014 to 2020. Phase 2 involved a survey of over 1000 members of the National Association of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Health Practitioners (NAATSIHWP).
To inform new content and case studies, Cancer Australia focus-tested the handbook with Health Workers through a combination of group online sessions, one-on-one telephone interviews and written feedback.
Results
An updated breast cancer information resource for Health Workers was launched in August 2022. It comprises updated evidence-based clinical content, a new chapter on supporting optimal social and emotional wellbeing and palliative care, and information about breast cancer in men. It is available on the Cancer Australia website and has been distributed to over 1000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers, Health Practitioners and other health professionals.
Conclusion
Breast Cancer: a handbook for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Health Practitioners bridges a gap in the need for updated, evidence-based information for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Health Practitioners.