Rapid Fire Best of the Best Oral Clinical Oncology Society of Australia Annual Scientific Meeting 2024

Outcomes from the co-design of a National Framework for Genomics in Cancer Control that privileges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives  (#33)

Justine Clark 1 2 , Jacinta Elston 3 , Kelly Trudgen 3 , Sarah McNeill 3 , Carolyn Der Vartanian 3 , Ashleigh R Sharman 3 , Claire Howlett 3 , Vivienne Milch 3 4 5 , Alex Brown 1 2 , Dorothy Keefe 3 6
  1. Telethon Kids Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia
  2. Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
  3. Cancer Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
  4. School of Medicine, The University of Notre Dame, Sydney, NSW, Australia
  5. Caring Futures Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
  6. School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia

Aims 

Genomics is an emerging area of cancer control with potential to personalise cancer care and improve outcomes. The National Framework for Genomics in Cancer Control (the Framework) is being developed to guide Australia’s cancer control sector in the use of genomics across the cancer care continuum. We conducted an engagement and co-design process with priority populations including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to ensure that the Framework addresses cancer health inequities.  

Methods 

Cancer Australia established a multidisciplinary Expert Advisory Group and an Indigenous Governance Group to provide project oversight. Three-hour workshops with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members, health care workers, cancer patients, and community-controlled health sector representatives were undertaken across Australia. Consultation with other priority population stakeholders was undertaken via virtual focus groups for children, young people and families, rural and remote, culturally and linguistically diverse, and rare cancers. Data were audio recorded, transcribed and analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Key themes and findings of a comprehensive evidence review were synthesised into a draft Framework. The draft Framework was presented for final review with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Brisbane prior to public consultation in late 2024.  

Results 

We engaged with 35 individuals across 5 in-person workshops, identifying 4 key themes: (1) Addressing systemic barriers for equitable access to personalised cancer care, (2) Building trust and relationships within the healthcare system, (3) Co-designing genomics education for the primary health sector and community, and (4) Embedding cultural safety in personalised cancer care. These themes directly informed the draft Framework, spanning underlying domains of prevention and early detection, diagnosis and treatment, supportive care and awareness and education.  

Conclusion 

Consultations with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other priority populations identified key considerations to inform development of Australia’s first National Framework for Genomics in Cancer Control.