This Harmony Day (March 21), Cancer Council Queensland is reaching out to show their support for all Queenslanders impacted by cancer.
Harmony Day celebrates Australia’s cultural diversity. It’s about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone.
Cancer Council Queensland spokesperson Katie Clift said CCQ worked hard to implement programs and support services that were accessible to all Queenslanders impacted by cancer.
“Cancer is a burden on people of all ages, genders and backgrounds, and Cancer Council Queensland works hard to ensure that all Queenslanders have access to the information and support they need,” Ms Clift said.
“In 2012, there were 25,614 invasive cancers diagnosed in Queensland residents, and of these, over 5600 (22 per cent) were diagnosed among people who had been born in another country. More than 2500 of those people (10 per cent) were from a non-English speaking country.
“We encourage all members of our community to access our services, including the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Cancer Resource Directory, Cancer Council’s 13 11 20, peer support programs, our Practical Assistance Program, Cancer Counselling Service and public health programs.
“We need to act as a community and do what we know works to reduce cancer burden – promoting a healthy lifestyle, evidence-based screening programs and providing access to life-saving medicine.
“It’s important all Queenslanders are as informed as possible when it comes to reducing their personal risk of cancer.”
The CALD Cancer Resource Directory provides a list of Australian publications and resources in languages other than English relating to cancer prevention, screening, information and support, many of which are available for free online.
Cancer incidence varies depending on the type of cancer, country of birth and length of time since arriving in Australia.
Migrants from Northwest Europe, including the UK and Ireland, have higher rates of lung cancer than the Australian-born population, while those from South-East Asia, Southern and Central Asia have lower rates of lung cancer.
Female migrants from Asia, Southern and Eastern Europe have lower rates of breast cancer. Males born overseas have lower rates of prostate cancer.
The CALD Cancer Resource Directory can be accessed via the Cancer Council Queensland website or at cald.cancer.org.au.
The theme for Harmony Day is ‘everyone belongs’. Find out more at www.harmony.gov.au.
For more information or support, contact Cancer Council’s 13 11 20 or visit cancerqld.org.au.
For interviews, please contact:
Katie Clift, Executive Manager, Media and Spokesperson, Cancer Council Queensland
P. (07) 3634 5372 M. 0409 001 171
For more information, please contact:
Kim Ryan, Senior Media Specialist, Cancer Council Queensland P. (07) 3634 5239 M. 0488 015 702