Indigenous cancer centre of excellence unveiled

The launch of Australia’s first Indigenous cancer research centre is set to improve the diagnosis, treatment and survival rates for Indigenous Australians with cancer.

Menzies School of Health Research (Menzies) unveiled the Centre of Research Excellence titled DISCOVER-TT, or Discovering Indigenous Strategies to improve Cancer Outcomes Via Engagement, Research Translation, and Training, in Brisbane on Tuesday 12 March 2013. Menzies’ senior researcher, Associate Professor Gail Garvey, said the launch of DISCOVER-TT represented a huge step forward to improving the cancer outcomes among Indigenous cancer patients. ‘Until now cancer has been a low priority on the Indigenous health agenda, despite the disease accounting for a greater number of deaths each year than diabetes and kidney disease,’ Associate Professor Garvey said. ‘There is a clear need to improve health services for people with cancer by using the information we do have and by identifying knowledge gaps. DISCOVER-TT will allow us to bring together key researchers, health professionals, and consumer advocacy groups from across Australia, and actively promote the translation of research knowledge into Australian public health policy and practice.’ Cancer Australia’s CEO, Professor Helen Zorbas, said DISCOVER-TT represented an important initiative to improve cancer outcomes for Indigenous Australians. ‘The launch of Discover-TT is promising, exciting and illustrates the importance of cross-sectoral partnerships and their capacity to impact on policy and to improve and advance health outcomes,’ she said. The launch was held at the Victoria Barracks in Brisbane on Tuesday 12 March 2013.
Source: Menzies School of Health Research

• Further information:
  • Indigenous cancer centre of excellence unveiled
    View media release: Menzies (12 March 2013)
  • View website: Menzies School of Health Research