Principles to guide transdisciplinary health services research informed by a national rural cancer equity program

Despite advances in cancer control, significant inequities persist for people living in rural and remote areas. The Equitable Cancer Outcomes across Rural and Remote Australia (ECORRA) program represents a national, transdisciplinary effort to understand and reduce inequities in cancer outcomes across rural and remote regions. ECORRA brings together researchers, clinicians, consumers, and health policy partners to deliver large-scale initiatives underpinned by co-design, implementation, and health services research frameworks. This perspective highlights three flagship projects that exemplify its methodology to inform future initiatives that aim to address health inequity. Five key principles underpin ECORRA’s approach: (1) fit-for-purpose governance to ensure transparency and effective coordination; (2) embedded consumer involvement as a non-negotiable foundation; (3) a genuine rural and remote focus; (4) cross-sector partnerships extending beyond academia; and (5) place-based engagement that builds enduring trust. ECORRA demonstrates an innovative, principle-driven model for equity-focused health services research to improve cancer outcomes.