‘How Your Spirit Is Travelling’—Understanding First Nations Peoples’ Experiences of Living Well with and after Cancer

Anneliese de Groot (), Bena Brown, Daniel Lindsay, Alana Gall, Nicole Hewlett, Amy Hickman and Gail Garvey
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Anneliese de Groot: School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4006, Australia
Bena Brown: School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4006, Australia
Daniel Lindsay: School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4006, Australia
Alana Gall: School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4006, Australia
Nicole Hewlett: School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4006, Australia
Amy Hickman: School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4006, Australia
Gail Garvey: School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4006, Australia

IJERPH, 2024, vol. 21, issue 6, 1-17

Abstract: As the number of people living with cancer increases, it is important to understand how people can live well with and after cancer. First Nations people diagnosed with cancer in Australia experience survival disparities relating to health service accessibility and a lack of understanding of cultural needs and lived experiences. This study aimed to amplify the voices of First Nations individuals impacted by cancer and advance the development of a culturally informed care pathway. Indigenist research methodology guided the relational and transformative approach of this study. Participants included varied cancer experts, including First Nations people living well with and after cancer, health professionals, researchers, and policy makers. Data were collected through online Yarning circles and analysed according to an inductive thematic approach. The experience of First Nations people living well with and after cancer is inextricably connected with family. The overall themes encompass hope, family, and culture and the four priority areas included the following: strength-based understanding of cancer, cancer information, access to healthcare and support, and holistic cancer services. Respect for culture is interwoven throughout. Models of survivorship care need to integrate family-centred cancer care to holistically support First Nations people throughout and beyond their cancer journey.

Keywords: Indigenous health; health disparities; health equity; cancer; cancer treatment; living well with and after cancer; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander; First Nations Peoples (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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