Cancer Prevention Research in Specific Populations
19 November, 12:30 - 1:30pm
Improving health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island communities and other specific populations requires culturally responsive cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment strategies. This seminar provides insights from two cancer prevention studies undertaken: "Culturally Responsive Approaches to Smoking and Vaping Cessation" and "Understanding Youth Perspectives: Cervical Cancer Prevention among Ghanaian High School Students – Insights for Practice." The speakers will present their research, emphasising the importance of responding to individual, social, and cultural factors that influence health outcomes within their respective communities. This discussion aims to foster a deeper understanding of the tailored approaches necessary for effective cancer prevention research in specific populations.
Speakers:
Associate Professor Michelle Kennedy is a Wiradjuri woman based at the University of Newcastle, where she leads national research on tobacco control, health research ethics, and Indigenous methodologies, focusing on the development of Indigenous-led evidence building. With 19 years of experience in community development, social work, and health research, Michelle emphasises culturally responsive approaches that privilege Indigenous voices. Her research is contributing new evidence on smoking and vaping cessation that draws on community research priorities and culturally responsive approaches building on strengths of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. In addition to her academic role, she serves as Assistant Dean of Indigenous Strategy and Leadership in the College of Health Medicine and Wellbeing for the University of Newcastle’s College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing and is the Strategic Research Advisor for Lowitja Institute.
Dr Ama Ampofo is an early career researcher at the University of Newcastle and a registered nurse with over seven years of experience in general medicine, surgery, and aged care. As leader of Cervix for Life Foundation in Ghana, she spearheaded community-based cervical cancer awareness and screening initiatives for eligible women. She completed her PhD in Public Health and Behavioural Science at the University of Newcastle in 2023, focusing her research on cervical cancer prevention, examining awareness, attitudes and perceptions of HPV vaccination and screening in sub-Saharan Africa. In recognition of her contributions, she received the prestigious 2022 Health and Behaviour International Collaborative Award.
Dr Ampofo has authored 17 peer-reviewed journal articles in the past five years, with additional publications currently under review in reputable journals. She has secured seven competitive grants totalling over $60,000, including funding from the University of Newcastle's College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, the Hunter Medical Research Institute, and the Australian Prevention Centre. Her work aims to enhance health outcomes and knowledge in vulnerable populations, particularly in the context of cervical cancer.
Chair:
Associate Professor Mei Ling Yap MBBS BSc PhD FRANZCR is a clinician researcher from Sydney, Australia. She is a Senior Staff Specialist Radiation Oncologist based in South-Western Sydney Local Health District and Conjoint Associate Professor at the Sydney South-West Clinical School, University of New South Wales and School of Medicine, Western Sydney University. She is the Lead of the Collaboration for Cancer Outcomes, Research and Evaluation (CCORE) and Head of the Cancer Program at the George Institute for Global Health, UNSW. A/Prof Yap’s clinical focus is on the management of lung and breast cancers, areas of interest she developed following a clinical research fellowship at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto (2011-2013). A/Prof Yap’s research focus is on equity in cancer control, and she is supported by a National Health and Medical Research Council Emerging Leader Investigator Grant (2023-2027). Her PhD explored equity gaps in radiation therapy access in New South Wales, Australia. She co-leads projects supporting education and training and research capacity building in low-and middle-income countries in the Asia-Pacific as an Executive Member of the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA) Global Oncology Group and National Project Coordinator for the IAEA Regional Cooperative Agreement. In 2022, A/Prof Yap was awarded the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists Rouse Fellowship. A/Prof Yap currently serves on the Editorial Board of JCO Global Oncology.