AMJ

The authors present data to support thier conclusion that weight control should be considered as a potential strategy to improve the health status of patients with Allergic Rhinitis, through the control of symptoms and the improvement of general health.

This paper describes an Indigenous Women’s Cancer Support Group (IWCSG) established to support Indigenous people with cancer and their carers/relatives and to facilitate Aboriginal access to cancer screening and treatment. A critical issue emerging from the research is the need for further development of effective collaborative working relationships between IWCSG members and health service providers.The IWCSG has the potential to inform an effective model for facilitating Indigenous access both to cancer treatment and to mainstream treatment for a variety of health problems.

In this view point the authors argue that engineering sciences can make healthcare available to anyone, anytime, and anywhere by removing locational, time and other restraints while increasing both the coverage and quality of healthcare. They posit that harnessing this potential will require leadership in University faculties of health sciences and engineering but effective engagement of end users of innovation as active participants in the research.

Ann Dadich makes the case that a holistic approach to healthcare, which complements conventional services with community-based supports, is likely to sustain well-being. Not only is this good news for patients – particularly people with complex and chronic healthy issues – but also for their clinicians and practitioners who may struggle with limited time and limited resources.

Professor Saunders outlines the current research on surveillance of treated breast cancer patients.

Lizzie Finn and colleagues outline an approach to improving access for indigenous people to cancer services in Australia.