Life-threatening fetal goiter: diagnosis and outcomes in four consecutive cases with critical appraisal-why this diagnosis is not obviously trivial.

Head and neck cancer (HNC) is the sixth most common cancer worldwide [] and poses unique challenges to those affected given its frequent impacts on core functions such as breathing, swallowing, and communication []. HNC survivors often experience significant functional, financial, and psychosocial impacts associated with the disease and treatment sequelae, both immediate and in the longer term []. Whilst HNC incidence, mortality rates, and overall survival outcomes have improved over recent decades in Australia [], this is not reflected equally across all populations. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, hereafter respectfully referred to as First Nations Australians, are one such cohort continuing to experience disproportionate impacts of the disease. The legacy of colonialism and oppressive government policies, which included dispossession and displacement, forced family separation, denial of rights, and disconnection from culture [], has directly contributed to ongoing disadvantage and poor health outcomes []. Specifically within HNC, First Nations Australians continue to face significant disparities across incidence rates [], treatment timing [], treatment completion rates [], and survival []. Beyond HNC specifically, the growing evidence around First Nations Australians and experiences in the cancer care system highlight a number of issues that deter service access, such as the financial and emotional impact of travel away for treatment [], competing demands of kinship or cultural roles [], inadequate cross‐cultural communication from healthcare staff [], as well as past experiences of racism within the health system []. To address these challenges, the Optimal Care Pathway (OCP) for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people provides key direction and principles for application along the cancer continuum [], but covers all cancers more broadly and is intended to be used alongside the tumour‐specific HNC OCP developed for the wider population []. Therefore, despite this foundational pathway guidance, there remains no specific information on how to best deliver HNC services for First Nations Australians. Furthermore, little is known about the experiences of First Nations people with HNC across the continuum of care, resulting in limited first‐hand evidence to guide improvements to the cancer care pathway. Therefore, the aim of this study was to understand the journey of HNC diagnosis, treatment, and early recovery for First Nations people and their carers in Queensland. This study was conducted in accordance with NHMRC Ethical Guidelines for Research with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) Code of Ethics for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research. Specific approval for research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples was granted by the Metro South Health Human Research Ethics Committee.