What is a clinical trial?
This animated video introduces clinical trials, presented in a culturally relevant context, emphasizing family, culture and informed consent.
This video, and several others on this page, was developed by the Lotjpa Yapaneyepuk team from the ReViTALISE Project in partnership with Goulburn Valley Health and Rumbala Aboriginal Co-operative Ltd.
Some common questions
Are cancer clinical trials safe?
Cancer clinical trials are an important way to test new treatments and ways of doing things to find out if they work better than current options.
In Australia, all clinical trials must be approved by a Human Research Ethics Committee before they can begin. This process ensures that participants’ rights are protected and that the potential benefits and risks have been carefully assessed. Every trial is legally required to follow strict guidelines to keep participants safe.
If you take part in a clinical trial, you will receive close monitoring and care throughout the study. You can ask questions at any time, and you can withdraw from the trial whenever you choose, for any reason.
How do I access Aboriginal Liaison support?
Many hospitals have an Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officer (AHLO). They can assist in finding the right services for patients with an Aboriginal background. They can also be the first point of contact for any concerns or questions regarding your treatment and care.
Ask your treatment team about making contact with your hospital’s AHLO.
Is it free to go on a cancer clinical trial?
Generally, the costs of participating in a clinical trial will be paid for by the organisation that is funding or conducting the research. For some clinical trials, this will include treatments, tests, and patient check-ups. Travel or out-of-pocket costs may be refunded depending on who sponsors or funds the trial. Ask your doctor if this is available.
More key questions about clinical trials
Can my family be there to support me?
Family and community often play an important role when making health decisions. Most health services support people to bring family members or other support people to appointments, including discussions about clinical trials. This can help with asking questions, understanding information, and feeling more comfortable.
When joining a trial, you will be connected to a Study Coordinator who can help answer questions about family involvement. If there are any limits or special arrangements, they will explain these and aim to be respectful and flexible where possible.
Lived experience of cancer trials
Meet Terri Tatton, a Wulli Wulli woman who shares her lived experience as an Aboriginal person with cancer and her clinical trial journey.
Clinical Trials poster
Clinical trials can benefit the health for First Nations peoples as they provide new and promising treatment options for a range of diseases, including cancer.
This information brochure developed by TrialHub in partnership with Victoria’s First Nations community includes bright and vibrant bespoke artwork called The Gift of Healing by renowned Victorian Indigenous artist, Dixon Patten. Dixon is a proud Gunnai, Yorta Yorta, Gunditjmara, Dhudhuroa man with bloodlines from Wemba Wemba, Barapa Barapa, Djab Wurrung, Wiradjuri, Yuin, Wodi Wodi, Wolgal, Monaro.
Download poster
Other resources
E-consent: Understanding clinical trial involvement to make an informed decision
A discussion about e-consent presented by Madison Shakespeare and Hanifa Abdiraiha. Developed by Pitched Black and AGITG.
What are Breast Cancer Clinical Trials?
A brochure for First Nations people about clinical trials by Breast Cancer Trials.
In Conversation with Julie McCrossin AM
This short series of discussions includes some with Madison Shakespeare, Gadigal Traditional Custodian, talking about First Nations cultural safety in gastrointestinal clinical trials.
Partnering with Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander patients in clinical trials
This video from Mater Research in Brisbane explains what your experience in a clinical trial may be like.
Resources for health professionals
Being Seen, Being Heard: Yarning about cancer clinical trials with Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people
This video highlights the priorities of Aboriginal people living with cancer and the role of family and culture in care.
This video was filmed in Shepparton at the Rumbalara Co-operative Harmony Centre and Goulburn Valley Health and at The Flats in Mooroopna, Victoria.
About the Flats in Mooroopna
‘The Flats’ became home to many Yorta Yorta people after the Walk Off from Cummeragunja at Barmah on 4 February 1939, the first ever mass strike of Aboriginal people due to restrictive controls, poor rations and cruel treatment.
The particular site at ‘The Flats’ was chosen as the Yorta Yorta people had traditional association with the river, which provided abundant food and water. Though limited in resources, there was a sense of community with the people creating a real “home” as best they could. Most of those who lived on “The Flat” remember life as a hard, but a happy time.
From this base, Yorta Yorta people advocated for their community and built what is now known as the Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative, an organisation which provides a wide range of services to the community and continues to make a positive impact on many generations.
Cancer information and support for Aboriginal communities
Visit Cancer Council Victoria’s Aboriginal Communities portal for a ton find information about preventing and managing cancer, including:
- Support services for those affected by cancer
- Prevention programs to improve cancer screening rates
- Aboriginal Quitline
- Information about cancer types and treatments
- Other useful web resources