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November is National Rural Health Month, an opportunity to raise awareness of the unique health challenges faced by Australians in rural, regional, and remote areas, particularly when it comes to cancer care and outcomes.

What are the health gaps for regional West Australians?

Research shows that Australians living in regional areas face lower five-year survival rates for all cancers combined, compared to those in major cities. This disparity is linked to a range of factors, including:

  • Being more likely to engage in risky behaviours, such as smoking and consuming excessive alcohol.
  • Being less likely to participate in cancer screening services and having less access to screening services.
  • Having less awareness and interpretation of cancer symptoms.
  • Showing less help-seeking behaviour from doctors, clinic nurses and Aboriginal health workers.
  • Having poorer access to and use of primary health cancer services.
  • Having health workforce shortages in remote and very remote areas.
  • Having to travel more to access health services and additional costs associated with transport to metropolitan centres.

What services and supports are available for regional West Australians?

At Cancer Council WA we have a range of programs and campaigns that are aimed at improving cancer outcomes for people in regional WA, including:

  • Find Cancer Early Campaign: This campaign encourages regional West Australians over 40 to recognise common cancer symptoms and seek help from healthcare professionals, including doctors, clinic nurses, and Aboriginal health workers.
  • Regional Education Officers: Located throughout WA, these officers focus on cancer prevention and early detection, helping to bridge knowledge gaps in regional communities.
  • Cancer Support Coordinators: These coordinators provide direct support to cancer patients and their families in most WA regions, offering guidance and resources.
  • Regional Support Services: We provide support services to regional West Australians including counselling, legal, and financial support, as well as wellness courses to enhance the quality of life during and after treatment.
  • 13 11 20 Cancer Information and Support Line: This telephone support line connects you with one of our cancer nurses to provide confidential, accurate information and support on any cancer-related concerns.
  • Accommodation in Perth: We operate two self-catering Lodges in Perth, providing regional cancer patients and their carers with a comfortable place to stay while they are accessing treatments and appointments in the city.
  • Transport to Treatment: This service is available at our accommodation Lodges to help patients travel to and from their appointments.

For more information

 

References

¹Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2019. Cancer in Australia 2019. Cancer series no.119. Cat. no. CAN 123. Canberra: AIHW.

2Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2022. Rural and remote health. Accessed: October 2022; https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/rural-remote-australians/rural-and-remote-health

3 Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2021. BreastScreen Australia monitoring report 2021. Cat. no: CAN 140, Accessed: October 2022;
https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/cancer-screening/breastscreen-australia-monitoring-report-2021

4 Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2021. National Bowel Cancer Screening Program monitoring report 2021. Cat. no. CAN 139, Accessed: October 2022;
https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/cancer-screening/nbcsp-monitoring-report-2021

5 Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2021. National Cervical Screening Program monitoring report 2021. Cat. no. CAN 141, Accessed: October 2022;
https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/cancer-screening/national-cervical-screening-program-monitoring-2021

6 Emery, J.D. et. al., Diagnosing cancer in the bush: a mixed-methods study of symptom appraisal and help-seeking behaviour in people with cancer from rural Western Australia. Family Practice, 2013. 30(3):p.294-301.

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