World Cancer Day highlights the need for cancer awareness in Victoria s multicultural communities 

Cancer Council Victoria is calling for greater awareness about cancer prevention and support in
Victoria’s multicultural communities, ahead of World Cancer Day.

World Cancer Day (4 February) aims to reduce illness and death caused by cancer around the world.
In Victoria approximately one quarter of the total cancer diagnoses are in migrants and refugees born
overseas in non-English speaking countries.

Cancer Council Victoria Diversity Advisor Neela Konara said that World Cancer Day is an opportunity
to increase cancer awareness amongst people from multicultural backgrounds.

“We live in a multicultural state; we’re from around 200 different countries, speak over 260 languages
and follow 135 different faiths and religions1 ,” she said.

“Research shows that migrants and refugees are less likely to screen and test for cancer and, as a
result, experience poor health outcomes.”

Ms Konara said that while many free prevention, screening, and support services are available in
Victoria, the services are under-utilised by many people from multicultural backgrounds.

“Better awareness about cancer prevention and support is needed to help people from multicultural
communities to access the services and navigate the healthcare system,” she said.

“We have found that some migrants and refugees have different perceptions or beliefs about cancer.
Others are not aware that screening is available, or that early detection can help to save their life.

“It’s important that we take care of our health by using the services which help to diagnose cancer
early and improve treatment options.

“One third of all cancers are preventable.

“Cancer Council Victoria offers a range of free cancer prevention, screening and support services to
help.”

People who prefer to speak in a language other than English can contact Cancer Council on
13 14 50, email askanurse@cancervic.org.au or visit www.cancervic.org.au/languages to find
out about services in their preferred language and access translated resources.

Cancer Council Victoria’s services include:

• Translated resources: cancer prevention and support resources are available in languages
  other than English. This includes details about screening programs for breast, bowel and cervical
  cancer, help quitting smoking and healthy eating advice.
• Bilingual health facilitators: Cancer Council Victoria’s bilingual facilitators help develop and
  promote meaningful and community accepted cancer prevention messages to migrant and
  refugee communities through community engagement activities and ethnic media.
• Support groups: Cancer Council Victoria recognises over 120 support groups in Victoria,
  including groups specifically for Greek, Italian, Chinese and Jewish communities.