Background: Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in Australia. Men from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities have poorer outcomes than men from non-Aboriginal heritage. A culture of silence has not only impacted Aboriginal men, leading to advanced disease stages and death, but also their spouses. Prostate cancer equally affects Aboriginal couples and families as a unit. In the context of prostate cancer care, Aboriginal women's role is not acknowledged.
Methods: This abstract draws on local community consultations and culturally grounded engagement in South Australia that examined the role of Aboriginal women in context of prostate cancer care utilising a community informed lens.
Findings: Local community consultations highlight how Aboriginal women uphold and navigate the cultural boundaries of men's business. Mainstream care pathways often excludes Aboriginal women. Coupled with a lack of culturally appropriate resources, this has contributed to lack of awareness and lack of knowledge of prostate cancer among Aboriginal women. Spouses and partners play multifaceted roles as cultural custodians, decision makers, carers and health coordinators. Aboriginal men acknowledge women's role in clearly defined contexts, which limit their visibility in health matters.
Conclusion: Aboriginal women can play powerful roles in supporting men's prostate health journeys. Equipping them with the right support and tools can facilitate active and meaningful participation. This calls for culturally tailored resources dedicated to empower Aboriginal women whilst maintaining their deep cultural responsibility to their spouses, that respect cultural boundaries, enabling them to support loved ones while caring for their own wellbeing.