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.