Conducting Cancer Research among Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Groups in Australia: A Reflection on Challenges and Strategies

Abstract

Background: While effort has been made to include minority groups in cancer studies in Western countries, overseas experience indicates that recruiting immigrant members to participate in cancer research is challenging. The aim of the paper is to set out the challenges and strategies needed to ensure the success of cancer research among culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) groups in Australia. Discussion: Author suggested that partnership with ethnic community organization, research team, research setting and data collection methods, access to national data in cancer register, the informed consent process, and resources management are important elements to ensure the success of cancer research among CALD groups. Summary: The paper provides health care professionals with insight into methodological and practical issues needed to plan and conduct cancer research among CALD populations not only in Australia but also other Western countries, where numbers of minority groups are increasing significantly.

Keywords

• recruitment
• minority groups
• cancer research
• challenges