SAVING LIVES WITH FUNDING FOR MULTICULTURAL CANCER SCREENING

Multicultural communities across NSW will benefit from new initiatives promoting cancer screening and prevention and appropriate support for people with cancer. 

Acting Minister for Multiculturalism Geoff Lee today announced almost $280,000 for 12 cancer control projects delivered through the Cancer Institute NSW.

They will focus on improving the care experiences and health outcomes of diverse communities as part of the 2020 Innovation in Cancer Control grants.

“We know culturally and linguistically diverse communities experience unique challenges when it comes to accessing health information, advice and culturally appropriate care and support,” Mr Lee said.

“These grants will support people from backgrounds that need extra support through their cancer journey including Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Korean, Sinhalese and Vietnamese speakers.”

Pink Sari Inc has been awarded two grants worth $40,000 to support projects aimed at increasing cervical screening awareness among women from Indian and Sri Lankan backgrounds and improving access to support services for people with cancer and their carers.

President of Pink Sari Inc Shantha Viswanathan said partnering with the NSW Government was key to taking the stigma away from cancer.

“There can be stigma attached to a cancer diagnosis and we want people in our community to feel empowered and to put their health first. Cancer screening really can save your life and, for those who are diagnosed, access to culturally safe services makes a huge difference,” Ms Viswanathan said.

Chief Cancer Officer and CEO of the Cancer Institute NSW, Professor David Currow, said the grants program focuses on improving the experience of people and carers affected by cancer and reducing the instances of unwarranted clinical variation.

“We know that cancer is an incredibly complicated and emotional topic at the best of times. These grants will improve health outcomes for communities most at risk and will be delivered by trusted organisations with the necessary relationships and expertise,” Professor Currow said.

Other successful grants include:

-          Providing one on one, in-language and culturally appropriate support for Arabic and Korean speakers diagnosed with breast cancer

-          Localised community education sessions on cervical and breast screening targeted at multicultural communities, using the Institute’s in-language resources.

-          Development of videos on demand to improve the experiences of Mandarin speaking patients and their carers, by providing tailored, practical education, easily available throughout their cancer journey and during their survivorship