Background: For Aboriginal people, family is defined by a complex system of cultural values, keeping of knowledge, kinship responsibilities, connection to country and responsibilities to community. The role and meaning of family is not readily understood by mainstream health services, often resulting in poorer treatment experiences and survivorship outcomes for Aboriginal people.
Methodology: This research examined the cancer treatment and survivorship experiences of Aboriginal people in regional south-eastern Australia, and the meaning and context of ‘family’ in their cancer treatment and recovery. Yarning Circles, an ancient Aboriginal approach to sharing knowledge and culture, were used to support Aboriginal people diagnosed with cancer and their families share their stories.
Findings: Family was central to people’s identity and roles and responsibilities in community. Family connected people to country, and provided strength and spiritual support for healing. It was recognized as important to raise family awareness of a history of cancer. The constancy of deaths ‘cancer is taking our mob’, the removal of children from family and lost family ties, meant people did not know their family’s medical history. Putting the needs of the family first, and caring for sick family members, was more important than an individual’s own health; there was ‘no time to grieve’ for your own cancer diagnosis and look after yourself. There were negatives attitudes in hospitals when family come to visit, seeing family as too large and overstaying visiting times. Health professionals did not seek family assistance with communication of information with family with low literacy levels, or include family in treatment decision making. Access to services was dependent on family support with transport, finances and family responsibilities, often resulting in lapses in treatment and follow-up services.
Conclusion: Understanding Aboriginal kinship structures, and responding with culturally safe practices, can help to improve cancer survivorship outcomes for Aboriginal people.