Improving breast cancer outcomes for Aboriginal women: a mixed-methods study protocol

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Public Health
• Indigenous Health Research

Background:

• Breast cancer disproportionately affects Aboriginal women in Australia, with higher mortality rates compared to non-Aboriginal women.
• Aboriginal women in New South Wales face a significantly higher likelihood of dying from breast cancer.
• Co-design is a vital methodology for ensuring research and services are culturally competent and community-driven.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and report a novel protocol utilizing co-design methods.
• To enhance breast cancer outcomes specifically for Aboriginal women.
• To empower Aboriginal communities as active participants in health research.

Main Methods:

• A five-phase iterative quantitative and qualitative study was co-designed through a Community Mapping Project.
• Phases include establishing governance, informing community members of modified processes, data collection on outcomes, and quantitative/thematic analysis with community representatives.
• The protocol involves evaluating the co-design process and adapting it for future partnerships.

Main Results:

• The study successfully developed a co-design protocol tailored for improving breast cancer care for Aboriginal women.
• The protocol integrates community input throughout the research process, from governance to data analysis and dissemination.
• Iterative refinement ensures cultural relevance and community empowerment.

Conclusions:

• Co-design is an effective approach to address health disparities in breast cancer outcomes for Aboriginal women.
• The developed protocol provides a framework for culturally competent and collaborative research in Indigenous health.
• This methodology has the potential to improve screening, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care for Aboriginal women.