In a groundbreaking initiative, researchers at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute (WEHI) are delving into the healthcare experiences of culturally diverse men with prostate cancer. This landmark project, launched for the first time in Australia, aims to bridge the healthcare gap for patients from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds.
The study, funded by a Movember grant, seeks to understand how cultural barriers impact patient care and outcomes. By assessing the lived experiences of hundreds of CALD patients, the project hopes to foster a more equitable healthcare system.
Understanding the Cultural Divide in Prostate Cancer Care
Prostate cancer remains the most prevalent cancer among Australian men, with one in five males diagnosed with the disease. However, the incidence reported among immigrant men is notably lower, a statistic attributed to reduced screening rates likely influenced by language and cultural barriers.
To tackle this issue, WEHI researchers have initiated PROCAP, a project designed to explore and address the challenges faced by CALD men with prostate cancer. Clinician researcher Associate Professor Ben Tran brings a personal perspective to the project, having witnessed his Vietnamese grandfather’s struggle with metastatic prostate cancer in 2005. His grandfather’s experience, marred by language barriers and cultural misunderstandings, underscores the critical need for this research.
“Australia is one of the most multicultural countries in the world, with culturally and linguistically diverse individuals representing a third of the population,” Assoc Prof Tran, co-lead on PROCAP, stated. “But they can often face greater challenges when accessing healthcare due to various language and cultural factors.”
Collecting Data to Drive Change
PROCAP will enroll 300 CALD patients with advanced prostate cancer over the next two years. Participants will complete a series of questionnaires designed to capture their healthcare experiences and quality of life at key points during their treatment.
Dr. Arsha Anton, a WEHI researcher and project co-lead, emphasized the importance of these patient responses. “Clinical trials often don’t include enough patients from culturally diverse populations, so very little is known about their experiences with prostate cancer, ability to cope with certain treatments, and patient-reported outcomes,” Dr. Anton explained.
The study aims to compare the quality of life and healthcare experiences of CALD patients with other Australians. This comparison will help identify areas in need of additional support, ensuring that cancer treatments and consultations are tailored to these individuals.
“We want everyone in Australia to feel assured that they will always get the best healthcare locally available, irrespective of cultural background. This project is a huge step forward in bolstering that trust within multicultural communities,” Dr. Anton noted.
Implications for Broader Healthcare Systems
The implications of PROCAP extend beyond prostate cancer. Researchers suggest that the project could serve as a framework for tracking healthcare experiences of CALD women and their treatment experiences in the future. Participants for the study will be selected through ePAD, a multinational registry that collects demographic, treatment, and outcome data for patients with advanced prostate cancer.
Supported by over $398,000 in funding from Movember’s Personalised Prostate Cancer Care Initiative, the project underscores a commitment to addressing healthcare inequities. Sarah Weller, Global Director of Prostate Cancer at Movember, highlighted the importance of this initiative.
“Movember is committed to ensuring that every man has access to the best possible prostate cancer care. The PROCAP study is a critical step toward addressing the healthcare inequities faced by multicultural communities, ensuring that cultural and language barriers don’t stand in the way of better health outcomes,” Weller said.
By supporting studies like PROCAP, Movember aims to drive significant change in healthcare systems worldwide, ensuring that men receive care tailored to their unique needs and experiences. The initiative is part of a broader effort, with Movember funding five other global projects, bringing their total investment to $2.1 million.
As PROCAP progresses, it holds the promise of transforming not only prostate cancer care but also the broader landscape of healthcare for culturally diverse populations. With the potential to influence policy and practice, the project represents a pivotal step toward a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system.
