First Nations children with cancer have much worse outcomes and poorer tolerance to current therapies, with very little understanding as to why.
The new program, led by Kamilaroi woman Dr Jessica Buck on Whadjuk Noongar country at the Institute’s WA Kids Cancer Centre, will aid in the future development of life-saving and life-altering treatments for First Nations children with cancer.
Dr Buck said First Nations children experienced severe side effects from current cancer therapies and worse outcomes. Five-year survival rates are lower for First Nations kids. This is particularly the case in the Northern Territory, where five-year survival is 38% for First Nations children compared to 79% for non-First Nation's children.
Cancer treatments are tough on all children. They are especially tough on First Nations kids. Tolerance to treatment impacts their outcome and affects their long-term quality of life.
The Kids Director of First Nations Strategy and Leadership Associate Professor Glenn Pearson said he was excited to see the impact of this world leading program on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.
“This is an entirely new area of research, with the potential to reshape how we understand and treat cancer in First Nations children,” Associate Professor Pearson said. “By building a robust evidence base, we can implement tangible and strategic treatments to improve survival rates and quality of life.”
Engaging closely with First Nations communities to understand the questions they have, the research they want undertaken, and to ensure therapy is delivered appropriately is a priority for the new program.
Menang Goreng Elder Aunty Averil Williams said that through this program, communities and mob would be more informed.
“They will have a better understanding. It's like when my little girl was diagnosed with leukaemia. I said I want to know what's going to happen. I want to know what's the treatment. All of those things, and that's what I see this project as being,” Aunty Averil said.
“People can be properly informed and have a better understanding of what it's all about, then encourage people to ask the questions of what, why, how.”
Dr Buck said it was important to support these children while they are in hospital and support the families, particularly those from remote communities.
“The program is First Nations-led to ensure the research is culturally safe, it will build capacity of First Nations researchers and students and it will deliver measurable outcomes for First Nations communities.
“While we recognise that there is no quick fix that will close the gap in survival outcomes and quality of life after cancer for First Nations children, this body of work is a first step and will deliver tangible outcomes.”
Dr Buck’s vision for the program goes beyond research – she hopes to empower First Nations communities, transform care, and ultimately ensure that every child has the best chance to thrive after cancer.
The program is actively recruiting Elders and community members to join its advisory group, seeking individuals with lived experience of childhood cancer, as well as First Nations community members in the health space, to ensure the research is driven and designed by community priorities and reflects cultural values.
Dr Buck will collaborate closely with the Perth Children's Hospital Oncology and Haematology Department, with the program generously supported by the Simon Lee Foundation, a Tony Chong Award, and with ongoing future support from the Stan Perron Charitable Foundation.