Cancer in aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of Australia

Abstract

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians have a cancer incidence for all sites combined equivalent to or slightly lower than for other Australians. They have a higher incidence of cancers of the cervix, liver and gallbladder, oesophagus, unknown primary site, mouth and throat, lung and pancreas, but a lower incidence of cancers of the prostate, female breast, colon/rectum and skin (melanoma). Case survivals are lower for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients, partly due to an excess of cancer types with a high case fatality, relatively low numbers with a low case fatality, and due to more advanced cancer stages at diagnosis. After accounting for these factors, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians still fare worse, probably due to elevated co-morbidity and less complete care resulting from geographic remoteness, limited access to transport and accommodation services, and sometimes a cultural disconnect with mainstream services.