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RACS ASC 2025
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Achieving health equity in breast cancer outcomes for Indigenous women in regional Australia
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Institution: Coffs Harbour - NSW, Australia

Introduction: It is known that health inequity exists in breast cancer outcomes for Indigenous Women in Australia because the mortality rate is higher than the general population despite lower prevalence. Determinates include socioeconomic disadvantage, geographic remoteness, lower rates of screening and co-morbidities. The aim of this paper is to assess if we are providing equitable care to Indigenous women with breast cancer as per the quality indicators outlined by the Breast Quality Audit (BQA). Methods: A single regional centre retrospective audit from 2019 to August 2024 at Coffs Harbour Health. Data from the Breast Quality Audit, EMR, clinic notes and MDT meeting documentation was collated and descriptive analysis conducted. Results were compared to the outcomes of the general local population treated for breast cancer and the BQA Benchmark. Results: Overall, we exceeded quality threshold KPIs in breast cancer outcomes for ATSI women in all areas except percentage of invasive cancer undergoing axillary surgery similar to our general population as our center omits patients >80 years. Our general population also had lower uptake of post mastectomy radiotherapy or chemotherapy despite being high risk due to remoteness and cultural issues. Compared to BQA nation average; we have significantly higher rates of immediate breast reconstruction. In ATSI women, 100% of patients were given the option of immediate reconstruction with a 50% uptake. Conclusion: Our regional centre is providing equitable access to care for Indigenous women with breast cancer. Including higher rates of immediate reconstruction compared to the national BQA population.
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Dr Apoorva Rao - , Dr Ashleigh Condon - , Mrs Sharon Morgan - , Dr Shehnarz Salindera - , Mrs Lee Millard -