January 15, 2025Many Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) patients face challenges such as language barriers and cultural differences that make it harder for them to participate in cancer clinical trials. Expanding access for CALD communities is a critical step in improving health equity.
With a North Eastern Melbourne Integrated Cancer Services (NEMICS) Service Improvement Grant, and support from a TrialHub grant, Northern Health is undertaking a project to build capacity and expand local access particularly for CALD communities in our catchment. Based on feedback received from our consumers, clinical and Transcultural and Language Services (TALS) staff, the project will create new tools and support systems to help CALD patients better engage with cancer clinical trials.
The Cancer Clinical Trials team includes:
Lisa Walker, Unit Leader
Chong Chyn Chua, Haematologist
Sharni Norouzi, Scientist
Frances Barnett, Oncologist
Seraphina Kwak, Pharmacist
Belinda Lee, Oncologist
Stefania Zen, Yan Qin, Imad Hirmiz, Atilla Babaali, Kostas Karamarkos, Nisreen Awad from TALS.
Associate Professor Rebecca Jessup, Deputy Chair, Northern Health Research Executive Committee and consumers, Arif Hajher, Kelly Burnham and Ljubica Milevska representing the Afghan, Greek and Macedonian communities, respectively.
Lisa Walker, the Unit Leader, says, “Navigating cancer and the treatment options can be quite daunting for all patients, even more so if not only the language but also the cultural customs of your care are different to what you might be used to.”
Sharni Norouzi, says, “Our goal is to ensure that every patient, regardless of background, has equal access to the opportunities and benefits that clinical trials offer for cancer treatment.”
This project will have a positive impact on both staff and patients. For patients, it will improve access to cancer clinical trials, ensuring that CALD communities receive the same opportunities for cutting-edge treatment and care as others. By overcoming language and cultural barriers, patients will feel more supported and understood throughout their treatment journey.
For staff, the project will provide new tools, resources, and training to help them better engage with CALD patients on cancer clinical trials. This will improve cultural competency and enhance communication, leading to better patient care and stronger trust between healthcare providers and the communities they serve.
“By being part of this project, we can ensure that language support is not just about translation and interpretation. It is about making sure patients feel heard, respected, and fully involved in their care decisions,” says Kostas Karamarkos, Greek Interpreter.
Imad Hirmiz, Arabic/Assyrian/Chaldean Interpreter, says, “I am grateful to be involved in this project and to contribute to ensuring that my community’s cultural perspectives are acknowledged and respected.”
