Eastern Health launches First Nations cancer clinic

The smoking ceremony was conducted by Craig Murphy-Wandin

On Thursday 9 May 2024, Eastern Health launched nangnak warr bagora; a dedicated cancer clinic at Healesville, which will provide culturally appropriate care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The Clinic’s main aim is to address the gap in cancer outcomes and specifically address the health of the local Community.

Cancer is now the leading cause of death among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, who are 14% more likely to be diagnosed with cancer and 20% less likely to survive at least five years after diagnosis compared with non-Aboriginal Australians.

The clinic provides medical oncologists along with a Social and Emotional Wellbeing Clinician from the Aboriginal Health Team.