Note this event was originally scheduled for 12 December 2023 but has been rescheduled.

Diversity Dialogue – Exploring challenges around cancer diagnosis and treatment in CaLD communities

The Diversity Dialogues seminar series has been developed by Health Consumers’ Council WA (HCC) for health (and community) service providers to enhance their cultural competence. We take a particular health topic and explore from the consumer perspective so attendees can think of ways to develop health services and patient care strategies that respond to cultural diversity. The panelists are from a range of cultural backgrounds, who share their knowledge and experiences around culturally aware practice, building culturally inclusive services and discussing the importance of cultural awareness in best practice.

HCC, in conjunction with Cancer Council WA, invites you to attend a panel discussion on the some of the challenges faced by people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds in Western Australia as they navigate diagnoses, treatment and living with cancer. We will hear about the barriers people face, where people are getting information from and what works and what doesn't in terms of interactions with health professionals and information. The focus will be on lived experience and what we can learn from this.

This forum will take a webinar format with Zoom link to follow. There will be an opportunity to ask questions live and in advance.

Panelists:

Henrietta Podgorska – Operations Manager, Umbrella Multicultural Community Care Services Inc. Henrietta professional journey reflects a deep commitment to community engagement, particularly within Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CaLD) communities. Prior to her current position, Henrietta has cumulative significant experience in community service, focusing on enhancing engagement and accessibility to crucial services. A notable aspect of her work includes her involvement in the CaLD cancer information needs project for consumers and carers, where she played a key role in exploring the unique challenges faced by the CaLD communities in accessing cancer-related information and support. Henrietta's career is marked by her dedication to fostering inclusivity and support across diverse communities.

Soi Yow – Cancer Nurse, Caner Council Western Australia

Since 2008 Soi has worked part time as a cancer nurse taking calls on the 13 11 20 cancer helpline for Cancer Council WA. Prior to starting at Cancer Council she worked in oncology roles in both private and public hospitals in Perth and she assisted in setting up the Chemo Day Unit for cancer patients at Hollywood Private Hospital. Soi is originally from Malaysia and she studied in Malaysia and the UK and began her nursing practice working in mental health and then midwifery before moving to cancer.

Liyong Wong – Carer

Liyong Wang is currently working as an academic staff at UWA, lecturing in Chinese language and Culture. Liyong's wife, Dr Shaofang Wang worked as a principal research staff at UWA and WA Chemistry Centre. Liyong and Shaofang are both from China, migrating to Australia in 1990s. Shaofang was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer in November 2016, and she passed away in December 2021. Liyong was the carer for Shaofang during the period when she was battling the cancer and Liying will provide a consumer, carer perspective to the discussion.

Samira Salih – Consumer

Samira was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 and she went through all cancer related treatments here in WA. Samira came to Australia in in 2001. Her background is Kurdish, coming from south Kurdistan (northern Iraq) and Samira speaks Kurdish, Persian and Arabic as well as English. Samira previously worked as a high school teacher and now works as a biotechnology research assistant following doing a master's degree in biomedical science at Curtin University.

Hafidah Eradat - CALD Community Connector/End of Life Doula

Hafidah's cancer journey started from 12 years old when her grandma was diagnosed with cancer and Hafidah become the interpreter for this. Hafidah was born and raised in Katanning, with parents from Christmas Island and Cocos Islands and is currently working as an Badgebup Aboriginal Corporation Connected Beginnings as well as an End of Life Doula (separately to Badgebup). She has had many family encounters with cancer. "Navigating through this Cancer journey medically wasn’t an easy road we faced, this is one of the reasons why I become an End of Life Doula“.