Background: Cancer is the leading cause of death for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Prior research has described reduced access to optimal cancer care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. While National Cancer Control Indicators (NCCI) have been developed to monitor the health systems performance across optimal care areas for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, most indicators are unable to be reported on due to a lack of data.

Methods: The Kulay Kalingka Study is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander designed and led prospective cohort study designed to generate data across 7 NCCI priority areas, including prevention, screening/early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and  healthcare experiences. An Indigenist methodology was used to guide all aspects of the study and follows the Maiam nayri Wingara Indigenous Data Sovereignty principles. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with and without a diagnosis of cancer were recruited through the Mayi Kuwayu national cohort study and community health services. Participants were asked to complete a questionnaire, which was designed through an iterative process, including pilot testing and refinement of the questionnaires with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Results: Two waves of data collection have been completed. In period 1, eligible 2,103 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people participated (86.8% Aboriginal), including 588 with cancer (mean age: 54y) and 1,515 without cancer (mean age: 50y). In Period 2, there were 1,694 eligible participants (94.3% Aboriginal), including 268 with cancer (mean age: 64y) and 1,426 without cancer (mean age: 50y). Select findings from 7 priority areas across the two reporting periods will be presented.

Conclusion: By reporting across the NCCIs, findings highlight areas that health services and government agencies can priorities to improve cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.