Navigating a cancer diagnosis is challenging enough without the added barrier of language. For young people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, language differences can lead to isolation, confusion, and delays in accessing the right care. Recognising this, Canteen has taken an important step towards ensuring that young people facing cancer can access vital information in their preferred language.
Canteen’s ‘Living with Cancer’ resource, developed in partnership with Youth Cancer Services, is now available in Arabic, Simplified Chinese, Dari, Filipino, Thai, and Vietnamese. This essential guide provides young people with the knowledge and support they need to better understand and navigate their cancer experience.
With 5.8 million Australians speaking a language other than English at home (Australian Bureau of Statistics 2021), these translations are a crucial step in breaking down barriers to information and care. For CALD young people, language barriers, lower health literacy, and difficulties navigating an unfamiliar system can result in poorer health outcomes, especially when dealing with the complexities of cancer when it turns their world upside down.
These resources, aim to build a diverse and inclusive community that supports and empowers families impacted by cancer.
