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Abstract: Aim: The aim of this study was to examine stakeholders' views of how the establishment of the South West Radiation Oncology Service in Bunbury, Western Australia, has affected treatment decision‐making, and the extent to which patients are involved in the decision‐making process. Methods: Semi‐structured in‐depth interviews were undertaken with 21 service providers involved in the treatment and care of people with cancer, and 17 adults diagnosed with cancer who opted to undergo radiotherapy (RT) treatment at the Service. Data were subject to thematic analysis using the qualitative data analysis software NVivo 10. Results: Patients were overwhelmingly positive about their experiences at the Service, praising the quality of the care provided and noting the convenience associated with receiving treatment locally. Most patients reported feeling involved in decision‐making, but tended to rely on and generally adopt advice from medical professionals regarding type and location of treatment. Although service providers in the region had become more aware of the regional RT service and referrals had increased, some patients continued to travel to the metropolitan area for treatment. Reasons identified for this included the need for more specialized RT treatment and the more extensive range of allied health services offered. Conclusion: Increased convenience and a lower financial burden are key reasons why rural cancer patients prefer treatment at a regional RT service rather than travelling to metropolitan centers. These factors highlight the need for ongoing improvement in access to local RT services so that disparities in cancer outcomes between rural and metropolitan patients are reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Early detection of breast cancer using screening mammography provides an opportunity for treatment which can lead to significantly improved outcomes. Despite considerable efforts having been made, the rate at which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (hereafter respectfully referred to as Aboriginal) women in Western Australia participate in BreastScreen WA's screening mammogram program remains below that for the overall female population of Western Australia. This study aimed to examine perspectives on breast screening amongst Aboriginal women in Western Australia. We explored the factors which impact on participation in breast screening and sought to identify potential initiatives to address lower participation in screening.Methods: Semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and yarning sessions were conducted with a total of 65 research participants. They were all Aboriginal and comprised consumers and health professionals from locations across the state.Results: Our findings show that research participants generally were willing to have a mammogram. Key reasons given were having a genetic predisposition to breast cancer and a perception of investing in health for the sake of the next generation, as well as personal well-being. Barriers identified included lack of education about or understanding of screening, inadequacies in cultural appropriateness in the screening program, cultural beliefs around cancer in general and breast cancer in particular, and competing health and life priorities. However, many enablers were identified which can serve as potential strategies to assuage fear and increase screening uptake. These included increased education delivered by respected Aboriginal women, culturally appropriate promotion and the provision of care and support from other women in the community.Conclusion: The higher participation rates for Aboriginal women in Western Australia than are found for Aboriginal women nationally demonstrate the success of the strategies put in place by BreastScreen WA. These efforts must be supported and existing policies and practices enhanced to address the limitations in the existing program. Only by implementing and evaluating such initiatives and making breast screening programs more accessible to Aboriginal women can the current disparity between the screening participation rates of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal women be reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the supportive care in place to meet the needs of patients receiving radiotherapy at a regional oncology service in Bunbury, Western Australia. Semi‐structured in‐depth interviews with 21 service providers and 17 adults diagnosed with cancer who underwent radiotherapy at the Service were recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically. Key themes relevant were co‐operation and collaboration of interdisciplinary team members; support from organisations to assist with accommodation, transport, emotional support and provision of practical assistance, as well as barriers to accessing support. Most participants were positive about the support available, recognising the needs of rural radiotherapy patients for assistance with travel, accommodation and psychosocial support to help deal with the stressors they face. Collaboration between the various service providers maximised the support available to patients but the drop off in psychosocial support once the intensity of treatment was completed was identified as a weakness in the support available. The support system, established around a regional radiotherapy service, was enhanced by the collaborative professional relationships developed among service providers. The service extends beyond clinical service delivery by recognising financial, logistical and psychosocial support needs, factors to be considered to ensure rural radiotherapy patients are provided with holistic care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]