Talk Descripción
Institución: Royal Prince Alfred Hospital - NSW, Australia
Purpose: Indigenous Australians face disparities in many health outcomes compared to their non-Indigenous counterparts. With respect to colorectal cancer, these disparities exist right from time of diagnosis. Previous studies have examined datasets across different states and territories and have found variable results with respect to outcomes following surgery for colorectal cancer. This narrative review aims to synthesise Australian data examining colorectal cancer for Indigenous and non Indigenous communities.
Methodology: As part of this narrative review, we reviewed the literature from the early 2000s until now. Publicly available data such as parts of the Northern Territory Cancer Registry and the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare national cancer database were also included. For published papers, inclusion criteria included Australian studies or studies with Australian data, patients with colorectal cancer including Indigenous and non-Indigenous participants.
Results: Across the data and the literature, similar findings were reported: Indigenous Australians are less likely to have favourable outcomes overall. Indigenous Australians have significantly reduced rates of survival at five years post diagnosis. In both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, males were more likely to develop colorectal cancer. Mortality rates have fallen for non-Indigenous patients however no clear trend exists for Indigenous patients. Mortality rates increase for both patient groups as remoteness increases. Uptake of screening is variable and there is no mandatory identification of Indigenous patients as part of the screening program.
Conclusion: There exist significant disparities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities with respect to diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer. This study demonstrates a need for good data collection nation-wide and geographically appropriate pathways for culturally safe cancer care.
Speakers
Contributors
Authors
Dr Fatema Mohammed Ali - , Dr Bianca Bachelet - , Dr Isaac Bhall - , Dr Janaka Ekanayake -
