Inequities in cancer outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with cancer

Cancer prevention, population screening and early detection programs along with universal health care have largely contributed to the high survival rates in Australia. Yet, persistent inequities exist regarding cancer outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. These inequities are largely attributed to high prevalence of risk factors, advanced cancer at diagnosis, and less participation in cancer screening programs and receipt of treatment. However, understanding the broader socio-political factors that contribute to these attributions are lacking – including the ongoing impacts of colonisation and its manifestation and contribution to both cancer risk factors and cancer survival. By understanding cancer inequities experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in a broader socio-political context helps to consider solutions to well understood problems of the colonial project in ways that foregrounds Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people's worldviews, strengths and lived realities.