St Vincent’s has been noted for its culturally diverse cancer patient population yet research with these diverse groups is particularly challenging. The use of photography as a research method can enable experience to be captured regardless of a grasp of the English language.

Aims: To raise awareness of the experience of cancer in a multi-cultural cohort using photography and narrative methods.

Methods: Participants (n=4) were given a digital camera to take home to photograph their experience of cancer. Interviews about their images involved an interpreter present and themes from descriptions were analysed for commonality.

Results: The most common theme was the focus on doing what one could to help oneself in the face of cancer but themes of celebrating life, suffering and determination were also present. Images illustrated a sense of pride in the things that health care professionals often don’t see, their homes, family, commitment to a faith and culture.

Conclusion: Interspersed amongst images that showed the actions undertaken to increase their chances of living, these photographs are an illustration of a universal preciousness of life. 

Significance: If you are a refugee from Sudan, a proud Aboriginal man, a Chinese mother or a French immigrant you will be drawn to similar things in the face of cancer – family, faith and helping yourself to have the best chance at survival. The depth of focus on a personal role in survival offers opportunities for specific interventions.