Author of

• 11946

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  P2.24 - Poster Session 2 - Supportive Care (ID 157)

  • Event: WCLC 2013
  • Type: Poster Session
  • Track: Supportive Care
  • Presentations: 1
  • Moderators:
  • Coordinates: 10/29/2013, 09:30 - 16:30, Exhibit Hall, Ground Level

  • 11947

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    P2.24-001 - Lung cancer in rural and remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Queensland (ID 212)

    09:30 - 09:30  |  Author(s): D.C. Hill
    • Abstract

    Background
    The status of lung cancer in rural and remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ( from this point referred to as Indigenous) communities in Queensland is unclear. It is not known how much of a problem lung cancer is in these communities nor how much awareness exists regarding lung cancer risk factors and early symptoms. Several factors contribute to the uncertainty of lung cancer status in rural and remote communities. Factors include the quality of reporting Indigenous status and cancer registration, cultural influences affecting treatment decisions, access to health services and availability of culturally appropriate lung cancer information resources . Research on lung cancer in rural and remote Indigenous communities in Queensland is needed to improve lung cancer diagnostic and referral pathways and develop culturally appropriate and effective lung cancer information resources. Study Aims: 1. Describe the local and regional health care facilities for Indigenous people who may be referred for suspected lung cancer across the state of Queensland. 2. Interview Indigenous people and health workers in 3 population sample groups from six rural and remote Indigenous communities in Queensland to identify if there are variations in patient flow relative to predicted utilisation of local and regional health care facilities.

    Methods
    1. Using publically available information, identify relevant health care facilities including those with diagnostic bronchoscopy (with or without endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) services across Queensland to predict expected referral pathways for suspected lung cancer. 2. Using quantitative and qualitative approaches to learn preferred referral pathways from 3 target population groups including patients referred for medical treatment with symptoms suspicious of lung cancer or confirmed lung cancer, Indigenous health workers, Indigenous community members aged 18 years and older. Frequency distributions in terms of the following will be analysed: demographics, current health status, social situation, access to health services, social and financial impact of treatment and information resources. Frequency distributions will be cross tabulated with age, education attainment, socio-economic characteristics, cultural influences, lung cancer awareness and knowledge. The responses to narrative questions will be analysed to identify main themes. These themes will be categorised by issues relating to lung cancer knowledge, cultural influences and beliefs, the patient experience and access to lung cancer medical and support services.

    Results
    We identified a spectrum of health care services across Queensland where patients may be referred for lung cancer management, ranging from public to private facilities. There are seventeen discrete Indigenous communities in Queensland. Compared to the nearest health care facility which offer diagnostic bronchosopy, 5 discrete Indigenous communities are situated > 200km away, 9 > 500km away and 2> 1000km away. Only one is situated 50km away.

    Conclusion
    The research findings will provide a clear understanding of the affect of lung cancer in rural and remote Indigenous communities in Queensland. Knowledge gained from research will enable better health service planning and help reduce any health disparities experienced by Indigenous people; particularly those who live in less advantaged areas compared to other Australians when facing a diagnosis of possible or confirmed lung cancer.