New WCMICS Documentary "Beyond the Barriers" Highlights Cultural and Linguistic Challenges in Cancer Care
WCMICS premiered its documentary, Beyond the Barriers: Cancer Care across WCMICS, Exploring Cultural and Linguistic Diversity on Thursday, October 24th, 2024, with staff from 62 unique healthcare organisations across Victoria and nationally registered to attend.
The documentary, an alternative format to WCMICS’ usual Annual Forum, sheds light on the unique challenges faced by culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) cancer patients and carers within the region, sharing their personal experiences while incorporating professional insights to underscore efforts to improve healthcare accessibility and equity for all.
Dr Vijaya Joshi, Director Strategic Programs, VCCC Alliance
The documentary includes perspectives from patients, carers, and healthcare professionals, who offer a candid view of navigating cancer care within a healthcare system that may not always accommodate the needs of non-English speakers or culturally diverse individuals.
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"I think we're very lucky in Australia and in Victoria, we really are. We have good health outcomes and we have pretty good access, [but] I think there's a huge unevenness in our access and our experience. It's language, racism and assumptions about disease and care." - Dr Vijaya Joshi, VCCC Alliance.
Addressing CALD Needs in Cancer Care
WCMICS operates within one of the most diverse areas of Victoria, with nearly 39% of residents born overseas and substantial populations from India, Vietnam, and China. Patients within the WCMICS treated in WCMICS health services (Melbourne Health, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Royal Women’s Hospital, St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, Werribee Mercy Hospital, Western Health, Royal Victorian Eye & Ear Hospital) report 214 countries of birth and 130 preferred languages, with 33% of patients from non-English speaking backgrounds. Data from the Victorian Healthcare Experience Survey (VHES, 2022) reveals that patients from non-English speaking households are significantly less likely to feel that healthcare professionals adequately check on their emotional well-being during treatment, underscoring a critical need for culturally tailored support.
Health services within the WCMICS region have seen a marked increase in demand for interpreter services and culturally responsive care, with non-English speaking patient rates ranging from 19.5% at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital to 48.2% at Western Health.
Juliana Emerick, WCMICS Lived Experience Consumer
Ongoing Commitment to CALD Cancer Care Improvements
In response to these challenges, WCMICS has pledged to prioritise service improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing cancer care accessibility and support for CALD patients. Stakeholder consultations are already underway to help guide future strategies, with WCMICS emphasising the importance of community-driven approaches and robust language support to bridge existing gaps in care.
Beyond the Barriers serves not only as a documentary but as a call to action, inviting healthcare providers, policymakers, and community leaders to support CALD cancer patients in receiving equitable, compassionate care. By amplifying voices from all corners of the healthcare system, WCMICS is taking a step towards a more inclusive healthcare landscape for Victoria’s multicultural population.
WCMICS extends their thanks to all involved in the piece: Juliana Emerick, Dr. Vijaya Joshi (VCCC Alliance), Dr. Beverley Woon (Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne), Monita Mascitti-Meuter (St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne), Linda (Peter Mac consumer), Kerrie Dunn (The Royal Melbourne Hospital), and Sudhir Sakhuja (Peter Mac consumer), all of whom shared their unique perspectives on overcoming barriers in cancer treatment and support.