The inaugural VCCC Alliance Health Equity Program was established as part of the VCCC Alliance Strategic Program Plan 2021-2024. One of the program activities is to improve cancer outcomes among culturally and linguistically diverse communities by understanding how health services can adopt and/or generate evidence to ensure cancer care, clinical trials and research will address the cultural and language needs of this priority group. Co-designing research projects involving appropriate community members to further interrogate the issues has been the forefront of all these activities to ensure better equitable cancer care.
Dr Beverley Woon was a member of the inaugural VCCC Alliance Equity Advisory Group and believes that our health industry is a reflection of our broader social views. Therefore, sustainable positive change can be reached when both culture and governance are addressed together. She is a collaborative researcher, with current research projects in Health Equity. Dr Woon is passionate about her clinical work and teaching, and is also an Honorary Clinical Lecturer at the University of Melbourne and an RANZCR examiner.
Dr Hafeez's translational research focuses on developing and characterising novel anti-ErbB3 antibodies to combat cancer. She is also passionate about patient-centred care and committed to promoting and enhancing high-quality cancer care. She is a strong supporter of health equity, advocating for equal access to healthcare, treatment outcomes, and opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their background.
Nicola is an early career researcher who’s work in evaluation and implementation science largely focuses on increasing equity and participation in Australia's national cancer screening programs. Nicola is passionate about equity in health and feels privileged to contribute to the work of ensuring systems are accessible, inclusive and support positive experiences for everyone in the prevention of cancer.
Dr Thai is an early-career clinician scientist focused on head and neck cancer, with particular interest in a nasopharyngeal carcinoma. It predominantly affects people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds (CALD). Dr Thai is committed to addressing issues contributing to inequitable health care and is driven by her lived experiences as a second-generation immigrant, as well as her clinical work managing patients with head and neck cancer. Head and neck cancer can often affect patients who are from lower socioeconomic or CALD groups. She feels strongly that broad and concerted efforts are required to address the complex issues contributing to health inequity including recognising institutional structures that perpetuate inequity.
