New South Wales is directing fresh funding towards research aimed at narrowing gaps in cancer outcomes, with more than $770,000 allocated to the Australian Centre for Cancer Equity.
The centre, established in 2024, brings together the NSW Government, the South Western Sydney Local Health District, Cancer Institute NSW and the Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research. Its focus is on improving outcomes for groups that continue to face higher risks, including Aboriginal communities, culturally and linguistically diverse populations, people in regional and remote areas, and those experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage.
Health data in New South Wales shows clear differences in both diagnosis and survival rates. People in disadvantaged communities are about one and a half times more likely to die from cancer, while Aboriginal people face roughly double the mortality rate. Those living outside major cities also experience higher death rates, and people from culturally diverse backgrounds are more likely to be diagnosed with infection-related cancers and can face barriers to screening and treatment.
The funding package includes an initial $150,000 to support the centre’s establishment, alongside $620,000 directed towards improving participation in clinical trials among culturally and linguistically diverse communities. Two projects form part of this effort. Trialtranslate will use multilingual digital tools to simplify complex medical information, while Bridges will rely on community ambassadors to connect patients with healthcare providers and research opportunities.
David Harris said the collaboration is designed to bring researchers, clinicians and communities together to improve access to high-quality care. He pointed to the need for a system where location, background or income does not determine the standard of treatment someone receives.
Local health leaders say the challenge is especially visible in south-west Sydney, one of the country’s most diverse regions. Sonia Marshall, Chief Executive of the South Western Sydney Local Health District, said the region provides an opportunity to better understand how cultural, economic and geographic factors influence outcomes. She added that stronger links between communities and health services could help shape practices beyond the region.
At a state level, Tracey O’Brien, head of the Cancer Institute NSW, said the overall burden of cancer has risen sharply over the past two decades, with some groups carrying a heavier share. She argued that working directly with affected communities is key to improving access and outcomes.
From a research perspective, Simone Proft said the collaboration builds on existing work focused on practical solutions, including digital tools and community-led programmes. She noted that language barriers and unfamiliarity with the healthcare system can make treatment pathways harder to navigate, particularly for newer migrant communities.
Clinicians involved in the initiative have also highlighted the importance of improving participation in clinical trials. Wei Chua said expanding access to trials could help researchers better understand how treatments work across different populations, while also giving patients access to emerging therapies.
Patient perspectives are shaping parts of the programme. Iman Zakhary, who has lived experience with breast cancer, said multilingual tools and community-based support are already making a difference for some patients by improving understanding and easing the treatment process.
The investment reflects a broader push to address uneven health outcomes, though challenges remain. Structural factors such as income, education and access to services continue to influence how and when people seek care. While targeted programmes may improve engagement, their long-term impact will depend on sustained funding and coordination across the health system.
For now, the centre’s work will focus on building evidence and testing approaches that could be applied more widely. Whether these initiatives can close long-standing gaps in cancer outcomes will be closely watched by policymakers and health professionals alike.
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