Cancer study a world first

A research study to recruit foreign language speaking cancer patients through Australian Cancer Registries will begin in New South Wales this month.

The study aims to assess anxiety, depression and quality of life in Greek, Chinese and Arabic speaking cancer patients in Australia. It will also document unmet needs and patterns of care throughout their cancer journey.

The University of Sydney will conduct the study in four Australian States and plan to survey 1,000 cancer patients.

Study participants will be adults aged 18-80, diagnosed with cancer between 2005 and 2006 and born in nations speaking Chinese (Mandarin or Cantonese), Arabic or Greek, and currently resident in Australia.

Cancer patients from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds have poorer quality of life following cancer treatment. They may experience difficulties within the Australian health system due to language barriers, poor knowledge of the healthcare system, differing beliefs and religion and social disadvantage.

The study's Chief Investigator Professor Phyllis Butow said: "This will be the first study in the world to systematically explore outcomes in CALD (culturally and linguistically diverse) cancer patients using rigorous and culturally appropriate methodologies.

"Based on the information received from the survey, it will be possible to plan appropriate and targeted interventions, which we hope will lead to an increased quality of life following cancer treatment for these vulnerable populations.

"This information will be invaluable to all services wishing to provide culturally appropriate care for their cancer patients", Professor Butow said.