Aims
Cancer Support for People of Refugee Background (CSPRBB) is a collaborative project between Bendigo Community Health Services, Loddon Mallee Integrated Cancer Service, and the Bendigo Regional Cancer Centre. This project funded by the Victorian Department of Health is working with local Karen and Afghan communities and service providers to identify and address enablers, barriers, and myths surrounding cancer and cancer care systems and refugee sensitive practice. As reported to the 2023 COSA ASM, our detailed community Stage 1 needs analysis revealed fear, mythical beliefs, mistrust in Western treatments/ clinicians, and confirmed literacy limitations.
Methods
Year 2 activities include cancer-specific training for bi-cultural staff and interpreters; development and adaptation of in-language community resources and place-based community sessions on prevention, screening, early detection, treatment, allied health, and palliative care; collaboration with local cancer screening services to develop alternate access models that are simple and easy to access; refinement of cancer care navigation; service improvements across palliative care and cancer service system; regional cancer center staff training to support understanding of pre and post settlement factors on health.
Results
Expected results include information resources in community languages; improved information management and patient outreach by oncology admin; enhanced interpreter knowledge, skills, deployment and support; information resources and support for cancer service staff; and enhanced peer leadership and support across the Karen and Afghani communities.
Conclusions
This initiative is building the capacity of former refugees to experience more optimal cancer care via enhanced health literacy and self-care; strengthened engagement by former refugees in service development co-design and resource development; strengthened service capacity to deliver tailored support in a culturally-welcoming way; stronger intersectoral partnerships; and stronger social capital across the Bendigo Community. Results of the project thus far has resulted in two years additional funding to embed systemic change and explore adaptation to other settings.