Research Collaboration to Address Cancer Outcome Inequalities

The Minns Labor Government has announced an investment of more than half a million dollars to improve cancer outcomes for communities disproportionately impacted by the disease. This funding supports a national research collaboration aimed at reducing disparities in cancer care through the Australian Centre for Cancer Equity (AcCE).

Established in 2024, the Australian Centre for Cancer Equity is a partnership involving the Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, the Cancer Institute NSW, and the NSW Government via the South Western Sydney Local Health District. The center focuses on reducing outcome disparities for Aboriginal people, socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals, people living in regional and remote areas, and those from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities.

Addressing Systemic Inequalities in NSW

The initiative is driven by data showing significant variations in cancer incidence and mortality rates across different populations in New South Wales. These differences are attributed to social determinants of health, including geographic location, education, cultural factors, and access to healthcare.

According to the NSW Government, current statistics highlight several critical gaps in health outcomes:

• Aboriginal people are twice as likely to die from cancer.
• Socioeconomically disadvantaged people are 1.5 times more likely to die from cancer.
• People living in regional and remote areas are 1.2 times more likely to die than those in major cities.
• People from CALD communities are more than twice as likely to be diagnosed with infection-related cancers and frequently encounter barriers to screening and care.

Funding and Strategic Projects

To address these gaps, the government has awarded the Australian Centre for Cancer Equity $770,000 in funding. This total includes a $150,000 Strategic Program Grant provided via the Cancer Institute NSW to support initial startup activities.

The remaining $620,000 is allocated to two specific projects designed to increase clinical trial participation within CALD communities over a three-year period:

• Trialtranslate: A $260,000 grant to develop a multilingual chatbot, codesigned with communities, to convert complex medical documents into accessible information in multiple languages.
• Bridges: A $360,000 grant for a community ambassador program that creates a link between healthcare workers and CALD communities to improve research engagement.

David Harris, the Minister for Medical Research and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, emphasized the collaborative nature of the project.

Bringing together leading researchers, clinicians, consumers and community, this founding partnership will focus on ensuring that every person in NSW regardless of where they live, their background, or circumstances has access to personalised and high-quality cancer care.

David Harris, Minister for Medical Research and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty

The Minister further stated that the center will use data and research to drive collaborative solutions that address unacceptable inequities in cancer outcomes across the state.

The Australian Centre for Cancer Equity continues to seek additional partners from community and government organizations across Australia to expand its mission for global health equity.