Poster Presentation Clinical Oncology Society of Australia Annual Scientific Meeting 2024

Beyond the Barriers: Exploring the Population Profile of CALD People Affected by Cancer in Western and Central Melbourne    (#497)

Kathy Quade 1 2 , Jannelle Lay 1 2
  1. Peter Mac, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
  2. Western & Central Melbourne Integrated Cancer Service, Melbourne

Background: The Western and Central suburbs of Melbourne are home to diverse Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) populations that face unique healthcare challenges due to cultural, linguistic, socioeconomic, and institutional barriers. Evidence indicates that CALD communities experience inequitable cancer care and outcomes, from service utilization to treatment quality and survival rates. 

Aim: To understand the demographic characteristics and cancer prevalence among CALD populations in Western and Central Melbourne, explore challenges faced by CALD individuals affected by cancer, identify gaps and propose actionable recommendations for improving outcomes.  

Methodology: This review utilised a mixed-methods approach, analysing data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Victorian Admitted Episode Data and semi-structured interviews with patients and service providers. Participants were recruited via convenience sampling, and interviews were transcribed, coded and thematically analysed. 

Results: 

  • The WCMICS region is highly diverse, with 39% of the population born overseas and 66% having at least one parent born overseas. 
  • Socioeconomic disparities are significant, with overseas-born residents facing higher unemployment rates, lower-income levels and low English proficiency 
  • Across WCMICS health services: 
  • 214 countries of birth and 130 preferred languages 
  • 33% cancer patients are born in a primarily non-English speaking country  
  • 13% of cancer patients prefer to speak a language other than English (LOTE) 
  • Tumour streams with the highest proportion of LOTE speakers are Upper Gastrointestinal, Colorectal, Unknown Primary Cancer, Lung, and Breast 
  • Key challenges include: cultural beliefs, stigma and family dynamics; communication barriers; limited translated resources and inconsistent data collection.  

Recommendations:  

  • Enhance service provider cultural competency 
  • Optimise interpreting services 
  • Improve CALD data practices 
  • Increase access to translated materials 

 

Conclusion: This review highlights the urgent need for culturally appropriate, multilingual improvement initiatives to effectively serve the diverse patient population.