First Nations Peoples
Here you can find helpful resources and organisations which can support your emotional wellbeing when you have cancer.
On this page
Acknowledgement of Country
The creators of Cancer Mind Care acknowledge all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across this country. We recognise our continuing connection to country and kin despite the impact of colonisation. We pay respect to our ancestors and Elders past, present and emerging.
Artist: Lani Balzan is a proud Aboriginal woman from the Wiradjuri people of the three-river tribe.
This artwork represents the overlap between cancer and mental health needs with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The hands above and below represent the care and support that Cancer Mind Care provides. The four images around the gathering symbol represent; people with cancer, support persons, clinicians and First Nations people. This artwork represents the overall importance of mental health support and wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people affected by cancer.
Helpful resources and organisations
Here you can find helpful resources and organisations which can support your emotional wellbeing when you have cancer.
- Our Mob and Cancer - Yarning with someone
Filled with important information about cancer from trusted sources, it is impartial, non-commercial, evidence-based and respects culture and traditions.
- MindSpot Indigenous Wellbeing Course
This course can help you gain better control over your symptoms, and learn key skills to improve your confidence, and empower you to get back to living a full and satisfying life.
- Head to Health - Support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Head to Health helps all Australians access the mental health and wellbeing services that are right for them.
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre - Aboriginal Yarning Circle
A support group for Aboriginal patients to yarn with other community who understand what it means to be diagnosed with cancer.
- Wellmob
Social, emotional and cultural wellbeing online resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People
- Yarning SafeNStrong
A free and confidential counselling service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
- eMHprac – A Brief Guide: Digital Mental Health Resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders
- Cancer Council NSW – Cancer stories from the community
- Cancer Council NSW – Aboriginal cancer journeys booklet
- BeyondBlue – Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander people
- Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation Inc. (VACCHO)
Please note
We look forward to adding further content to the First Nations portal of Cancer Mind Care soon
Privacy Policy
Information for statistical purposes
Unless this website asks for specific personal information, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre will only collect information relating to your use of the website for statistical purposes to assist Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in improving users’ experience of the site. Such information may include the:
- date and time of your visit
- pages accessed and documents downloaded
- referring site
- type of browser you are using
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By using this website, you consent to the processing of data about you by Google in the manner described in Google’s Privacy Policy-and for the purposes set out above.
Security of personal information
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre takes reasonable steps to protect the personal information it holds from misuse and loss, and from unauthorised access, modification or disclosure.
While Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre endeavours to provide a secure online environment through its website, you should be aware that there are inherent risks associated with the transmission of information via the internet.
Where personal information is no longer needed for the purpose for which it was collected, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre will take reasonable steps to destroy or permanently de-identify such personal information.
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Enquiries and feedback
If you have any queries about Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre’s privacy policy or if you have any complaint about the handling of your personal information, contact Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre’s Patient Liaison Officer via switchboard on (03) 8559 5000.
Disclaimer
This content contains information that has been approved by reference groups comprising relevant health professionals, consumers and non-government organisations.
Content is sourced from published research literature, grey literature sources (e.g. clinical guidelines) and opinions of clinical experts. It is not intended to reflect all of the available evidence and is not intended to be exhaustive.
The authors acknowledge that it is possible that other relevant guidelines or scientific findings may have been published since the development of the website.
Acknowledgments
Screening tool references
Kessler-10
Kessler, R.C., Barker, P.R., Colpe, L.J., Epstein, J.F., Gfroerer, J.C., Hiripi, E., Howes, M.J, Normand, S-L.T., Manderscheid, R.W., Walters, E.E., Zaslavsky, A.M. (2003). Screening for serious mental illness in the general population Archives of General Psychiatry. 60(2), 184-189.
Distress thermometer
Adapted from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Distress Thermometer. Available from: https://www.nccn.org/docs/default-source/patient-resources/nccn_distress_thermometer.pdf?sfvrsn=ef1df1a2_4
Contact
For questions or comments related to this website, please email CancerMindCare@petermac.org. To contact the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Psychology Department please call 03 8559 5220.