The National Indigenous Cancer Network (NICaN) is a partnership between the Menzies School of Health Research, the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet, the Lowitja Institute and Cancer Council Australia.

NICaN was established in 2013 and aims to improve health services for Indigenous people with cancer. NICaN brings together Indigenous audiences, consumers, service providers, researchers and health professionals from a broad range of disciplines, as well as private sector and government organisations.

NICAN is a critical part of the translation of Indigenous cancer research into practice. It aims to ensure that what's known about cancer in Indigenous Australians is available for use by people with cancer, their families, practitioners, policy makers and researchers. This is achieved by using existing information, identifying knowledge gaps and encouraging and supporting collaboration in research and service provision.

NICaN’s activities are supported through two major research partnerships: The DISCOVER-TT Centre of Research Excellence and a Strategic Research Priority program, STREP-Ca-CIndA.

In addition to the links with these research partnerships, NICaN provides:

  • plain language information about cancer (click on the resources tab)
  • a dedicated Yarning Place discussion forum and Twitter account @NICaN Australia
  • the opportunity to attend annual network meetings and Indigenous Cancer Roundtables
  • support for Indigenous Cancer Ambassadors
  • cancer awareness events such as Walking the Talk Cancer Day 
  • policies and strategies that address cancer among Indigenous people
  • a comprehensive collection of publications, conference presentations and resources
  • information about training courses, workforce development and organisations that provide support for Indigenous people with cancer, their families and friends.

To access NICaN’s online portal, please visit CancerInfoNet.

Key staff:
Collaborators:

The National Indigenous Cancer Network (NICaN) has been established in partnership with:

  • Menzies School of Health Research
  • Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet
  • Lowitja Institute
  • Cancer Council Australia.

CancerInfoNet provides recent references compiled from HealthInfoNet’s bibliographic database addressing cancer among Indigenous peoples. References are divided into general and specific topics and include journal articles, reports, theses and other literature.

 Fact sheets:

The information in the fact sheets has been adapted for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people by Menzies School of Health Research in consultation with a Clinical Advisory Group and an Indigenous Consultation group. Production by Cancer Council.

Publications, policies and further resources are available via CancerInfoNet.

  1. University of Newcastle - Alumni Medal for Professional Excellence

  2. ABC PM | Rising Indigenous cancer death rates are being overlooked

  3. Cancer and COVID-19 - What it means for our mob

  4. Media Release | THE 2nd WORLD INDIGENOUS CANCER CONFERENCE

  5. $440 million funding boost for vital health and medical research for all stages of life

  6. Menzies researcher endorses United Nations Statement

  7. When numbers and stories collide – the fight for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.

  8. Indigenous HPV vaccination rates “to be celebrated”

  9. Researchers call for global action to improve Indigenous health outcomes

  10. NT News | Traditional medicine helps patients

  11. Systematic review of traditional and complementary medicine use among indigenous cancer patients

  12. Indigenous women are less likely to survive breast cancer

  13. NITV: Two months' could be key to Indigenous women's survival of cervical cancer

  14. Rising stars in pioneering health research celebrated

  15. Roundtable to improve cancer outcomes

  16. Study examines cancer survival statistics for Indigenous Australians

  17. Indigenous kids face higher risk of childhood cancer death

  18. Walking together for Indigenous Cancer

  19. NITV: Murri community hosts walk for cancer

  20. Ehospice - Cancer myths fuel fear amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

  21. National Indigenous News Service: Cancer awareness walk to be held in Brisbane