OVERVIEW
Cancer survival rates in Australia are among the best in the world, yet Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people continue to experience disparities in cancer outcomes, with cancer being one of the leading causes of death among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.
PROJECT OBJECTIVES
Our research themes address critical current issues that aim to increase cancer prevention and early detection through immunisation and screening; improve diagnosis and treatment through health service innovation; and provide appropriate care to enhance psychosocial wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cancer survivors, their partners, and their carers across the cancer continuum.
Our research focuses on emerging priorities in cancer-related health services research. We identified these priorities through extensive consultation with key stakeholders, a review of seminal documents, and a substantial foundation of research and translation established through two major research partnerships:
CRE in Discovering Indigenous Strategies to improve Cancer Outcomes Via Engagement, Research Translation and Training (DISCOVER-TT)
Cancer Council NSW Strategic Partnership (STREP CaCIndA).
Our national and international collaborative approach actively promotes the translation of research knowledge into Australian public health policy and practice. We build research capacity through training the next generation of researchers in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cancer control.
Underpinning the TACTICS CRE are the following guiding principles:
Building Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research capacity and developing future Research Leaders
Facilitating collaboration through engaging and connecting a range of key stakeholders
Embedding research translation throughout the life of the TACTICS CRE, maximising sustainable policy/ practice change
Building community capacity by improving awareness and understanding of cancer
GOVERNANCE & ENGAGEMENT
As an Indigenous-led research program focused on improving cancer outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, we embed the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within our governance group and in the design and conduct of each project.
We ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers lead each Research Theme and are involved with each project investigator team.
Our projects are guided by Project Advisory Groups that include representation from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cancer survivors. Dependent on the project we also involve policy-makers, advocates, healthcare providers, and carers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people diagnosed with cancer.
We value and support continued relationships and engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cancer survivors and their families through the TACTICS CRE and the different research projects.
This National Health and Medical Research Council funded centre was established in 2018 and is led by The University of Queensland, supported by a strong and culturally sensitive governance structure, along with practitioners, consumers, and other key collaborators nationally and internationally.