Cancer Health Care, Promotion & Support

We are committed to improving cancer care in a way that respects and supports the unique journey, values, culture, and strengths of ATSI people and their families.

Our Cancer Team works collaboratively with our clinical and community support teams to provide holistic cancer prevention, screening, early diagnosis, treatment support, and ongoing care. We aim to ensure people feel informed, supported, and not alone at any stage of their cancer journey.

Cancer continues to have a significant impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, with higher rates of diagnosis and avoidable mortality for some cancers. At Yoorana Gunya, we are focused on reducing these disparities through culturally safe care, early screening and diagnosis, strong care coordination, and community-led education and support.

Our approach is centred on listening, building trust, and walking alongside individuals and families, supporting physical, emotional, social, and cultural wellbeing.

    • Community education and yarning sessions.

    • Lifestyle support including nutrition, movement, and wellbeing.

    • Support to improve health literacy and reduce cancer risk.

    • Help understanding cancer screening

    • Assistance with booking appointments and completing forms

    • Support with bowel, cervical (including self-collection), breast, and lung screening

    • Follow-up and reminders when needed

    • Support after abnormal screening results

    • Help navigating GP, hospital, and specialist appointments

    • Care coordination and advocacy

    • Ongoing follow-up so no one feels left on their own

    • Emotional and wellbeing support

    • Support for families and carers

    • Referrals to SEWB for emotional support, palliative care services

    • ATSI community members

    • Families and carers

    • People wanting information about screening

    • People newly diagnosed, undergoing treatment, or in recovery

We work together to support the whole person — physically, emotionally, and socially.


Our team includes:

Phoebe

Cancer Care Coordinator Nurse
- supporting clinical care coordination, referrals, and navigation

Sarah-Jane

Cancer Health Promotion Officer
– supporting education, prevention, wellbeing, and community engagement