A First Nations Cancer Cohort Study (CanCo)

About the study

CanCo is a First Nations-led Cancer Cohort study designed to understand the unique cancer care needs and experiences of First Nations peoples diagnosed with cancer, and their care givers. CanCo aims to address the significant gap in the existing quality and comprehensiveness of data about and for First Nations cancer patients by analysing the journey, the critical touchpoints, and the challenges to effective care. The University of Queensland (UQ) in collaboration with Cancer Alliance Queensland (CAQ) will conduct this five-year mixed-methods study combining data linkage efforts, patient and caregiver reported measures and in-depth Yarns; to explore First Nations cancer patients and their care givers experiences across Queensland. CAQ manage the Queensland Cancer Register and work with key organisations to enhance cancer services across the state. Through collaboration with clinicians, health facilities, and external partners, CAQ drives improvements in cancer care and patient outcomes. We aim to improve cancer equity, outcomes, and support systems for First Nations peoples.

Indigenous Data Sovereignty and Governance

This research will be guided by best practice Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research ethics frameworks and guidelines such as the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) Code of Ethics for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research. An Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander subcommittee of Cancer Alliance Queensland that reports on cancer incidence, survival, and other indicators relevant to the evaluation, management and monitoring of cancer services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities will provide cultural oversight throughout the study. Members include representation from across the 8 Indigenous Queensland Regions and key Community organisations.

Funding and collaborators

Funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NMHRC) 2022 Clinical Trials and Cohort Studies Grants Scheme (ID 2024234), CanCo is a collaborative partnership with Cancer Alliance Queensland, The University of Queensland, The University of South Australia, Australian National University, Cancer Council Queensland, Flinders University, University of Sydney, Southern Cross University and University of New South Wales.

Meet the team

Project Chief Investigator: The project is led by Professor Gail Garvey, a First Nations researcher, who is a proud Kamilaroi woman, an NHMRC Research Leadership Fellow and Professor of Indigenous Health Research in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Queensland. Professor Garvey was among the first researchers to recognise the substantial impact of cancer on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and her work has contributed greatly to key policy and practice changes to improve their cancer outcomes. Gail leads work in psychosocial aspects of cancer care for First Nations Australians and her research into these psychosocial aspects is a critical component to improving their cancer outcomes.