Peter Mac applauds release of Australian Cancer Plan
02 November 2023
Peter Mac welcomes the release of Cancer Australia's Australian Cancer Plan today.
The Plan aims to improve the prevention, screening, treatment and management of all cancers for Australians regardless of their background and covers the whole cancer journey, from prevention and early detection to treatment, recovery and end of life care.
Professor Ricky Johnstone, Peter Mac’s Executive Director of Cancer Research, applauded the release of the plan.
“The Australian Cancer Plan is a clear step forward for cancer care in Australia and promotes equity, diversity and inclusion to improve outcomes for cancer patients,” Professor Johnstone said.
“It’s fantastic to see an emphasis being placed on the establishment of an Australian Comprehensive Cancer Network to link cancer care in both major cities and in regional and rural areas around the country.
“As outlined in the Plan, a network of Comprehensive Cancer Centres will help to increase connectivity and the sharing of technology development, data and expertise as well as improving access to cancer services for patients.
“This concept strongly aligns with our vision to continuously improve research-driven cancer care for all people affected by cancer,” he said.
A key priority of the Plan is improving outcomes for groups with the poorest cancer experiences, with a particular focus on First Nations people. First Nations people are 14% more likely to be diagnosed with cancer and 45% more likely to die from cancer than non-Indigenous people.
The Federal Minister for Health, Mark Butler said more than 164,000 Australians are expected to be diagnosed this year.
“While cancer outcomes in this country are generally among the best in the world, that’s not true for some people, simply because of who they are or where they live,” Minister Butler said.
“Our Australian Cancer Plan responds to patients’ concerns that the health system is hard to navigate and will ensure no one falls through the gaps.
“Preventing cancer, and detecting and treating it earlier, will save heartache and pain for countless individuals and families, and also take pressure off our hospitals and wider health system,” he said.
The Australian Cancer Plan has been developed by Cancer Australia, in consultation with the states and territories, First Nations communities, clinicians, researchers, people affected by cancer and support organisations.