Early cancer diagnosis in regional and rural WA
The project
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in Australia. People living in rural and remote areas often have worse cancer outcomes than those in cities. They are less likely to take part in screening, are diagnosed later, and face greater financial and health service barriers. Delays in seeking medical help after noticing symptoms are common, sometimes due to low awareness, misconceptions, or cultural values such as stoicism and self-reliance.
In Western Australia, the Find Cancer Early campaign has raised awareness of the importance of early diagnosis, but many people still do not act on symptoms. Common reasons include believing they have no symptoms, assuming regular check-ups or screening are enough, or trusting their own ability to notice changes. These beliefs can lead to late diagnoses and worse outcomes.
This project aims to better understand attitudes, barriers, and behaviours around cancer symptom awareness and early diagnosis in rural and remote Western Australians. The project will:
- Use a survey to collect information from about 500 adults on their knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to cancer symptoms, screening, and help-seeking.
- Hold focus groups to explore rural and remote Western Australians’ attitudes, barriers, and experiences related to early cancer diagnosis and seeking help when symptoms are noticed.
- . Combine survey and focus group findings and compare them with evaluations of the Find Cancer Early campaign.
The outcomes of this research will guide the design of improved health campaigns and healthcare practices. By tailoring messages and resources to the needs of rural and remote communities, the project aims to support earlier cancer detection, more timely treatment, and better health outcomes.
The involvement opportunity
The research team currently have one consumer member, and they are looking for a second consumer to join them to provide feedback on the planned survey and focus groups and provide recommendations for communicating the results.
Skills and experience
You need to be living in a regional, rural or remote area of Western Australia.
Experience of cancer symptoms (such as unexplained weight loss, chronic fatigue, fever, persistent pain, and unusual lumps or skin changes) and discussed this with a healthcare professional is preferred but not essential.
Other information
You would need to be able to dedicate a few hours throughout the year to review research materials and findings.
- Any meetings would be infrequent and held online
- An honorarium payment of $37.50/hour will be offered
- Applications close 13 April 2026.