This report is a plain language publication that provides summarised and updated information from the Review of cancer among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (2018).

This summary is part of a series of knowledge exchange products about cancer produced by the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet including a fact sheet and the comprehensive review.

Key Findings:

• Despite improvements in cancer detection and treatment over recent decades, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people diagnosed with cancer generally experience poorer outcomes than non-Indigenous people.
• Despite lower rates of prevalence and hospitalisation Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experience higher rates of cancer deaths compared to non-Indigenous people.
• Strategies and initiatives should ensure community ownership and self-determination of the overall health and wellbeing of communities.

Reducing the impact of cancer among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is an important aspect in ‘closing the gap’ in health outcomes. The summary highlights the need to address barriers for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to accessing and utilising screening and other health services.