Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices on the National Lung Cancer Screening Program: a qualitative study from Worimi and Awabakal country.

Abstract

To gather communities' perspectives on the upcoming National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP) to guide appropriate and equitable access and uptake. Qualitative study using Yarning methods. Yarning circles were conducted with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people on Awabakal and Worimi country in December 2023. Twenty-nine Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people participated in Yarning circles held at three locations across Awabakal and Worimi country. Community participants felt that the need for equitable and culturally safe NLCSP pathways is critical, with the NLCSP implementation plan and associated guidelines requiring multiple modes of health promotion, flexible eligibility that is equitable, alternative referral pathways to overcome barriers to access, and screening pathways and processes that are culturally responsive and community led. The NLCSP provides a timely opportunity to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. To achieve this, it is essential that the NLCSP is tailored to the needs of each community in accessing preventive health care and upholds rights to self-determination.