Indigenous Perspectives on Cancer Healing

Blending Traditional and Modern Supportive Care - Respectful exploration of Indigenous Australian approaches to cancer support and how they can complement conventional care

For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, healing involves more than traditional medical approaches due to their strong connection to their land, cultural ties and spirituality.

Cancer is the leading cause of death among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, with lung, breast, and prostate cancers being the most common diagnoses[1]. This blog explores the range of factors that prevent Indigenous Australians from receiving medical treatment, including institutional racism and geographical isolation, as well as exploring the more traditional approaches to cancer support often utilised.

Barriers to Cancer Support

Many Indigenous Australians face systemic barriers when accessing cancer care.

Discrimination:
Discrimination within health systems can discourage Indigenous peoples from seeking care. Institutional racism refers to entrenched practices or policies that result in unequal treatment based on cultural or ethnic identity1,[2].

Geographic Isolation:
Nearly 45% of Indigenous Australians live in remote or very remote areas[3]. In these regions, cancer services are often limited or entirely unavailable, with patients needing to travel long distances for diagnosis and treatment. This lack of proximity can significantly delay access to cancer care.

Limited Access to Education: 
Lower rates of health literacy make it more difficult for some Indigenous Australians to recognise early symptoms, understand risk behaviours, or navigate the healthcare system, often resulting in delayed diagnoses and poorer health outcomes.

Indigenous Approaches to Cancer Support

In many Aboriginal communities, particularly in rural or remote areas, bush medicine plays a key role in managing symptoms and fostering emotional and spiritual wellbeing.

Bush medicine refers to traditional healing practices that use native Australian plants and herbs to treat illness[4]. Commonly used remedies, like Gumbi Gumbi (Pittosporum angustifolium), are used to alleviate a variety of symptoms, and recent scientific research has supported their potential health benefits. Studies have shown that extracts of Gumbi Gumbi may possess anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties[5].

Importantly, the use of bush medicine is not just about physical healing; it’s also deeply tied to cultural identity, spiritual health, and connection to Country. As found by Oliver (2013) when interviewing individuals on the importance of bush medicine, they shared that using bush medicine “raises self-esteem and makes Aboriginal people more self-reliant since they all have access to the trees.”[6]. Others described bush remedies as stress relievers and natural cleansers that restore internal balance and strength.

Blending Traditional and Modern Supportive Care

Combining traditional healing with modern cancer treatment can lead to more holistic and culturally safe care. It acknowledges the value of cultural heritage while ensuring patients receive the benefits of evidence-based medicine.

Cancer Australia have recognised the need for integrated approaches to better help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The Australian Cancer Plan is a 10-year national framework[7]. They are working closely with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to ensure equitable cancer outcomes. The plan focuses on dismantling institutional racism, creating culturally safe health environments, and promoting partnerships with both healthcare providers and Indigenous leaders. Encouraging dialogue between medical practitioners and community Elders allows individuals to receive care that honours both traditional and clinical perspectives.

Recognising and respecting Indigenous approaches to healing is essential for delivering effective and culturally competent cancer care. By blending traditional knowledge with modern medicine, we can create a more inclusive healthcare system, one where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples feel seen, heard, and supported on every step of their journey.

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