General practice and cancer care

General practice (also described as primary care) is usually the first point of contact for people with early symptoms of cancer and plays a significant role in prevention, screening, follow-up after treatment and palliative care. However, there is still scope to expand the role of general practice in collaboration with cancer specialists.

Cancer Australia has a number of specific initiatives to better engage and support general practitioners (GPs) in the delivery of cancer care, including: 

• the CanNET program, a key element of which is more effective involvement of primary care providers;
• continuing professional development modules, including a gynaecological cancers module for gplearning;
• development of information and resources including web-based cancer treatment protocols to support GPs in caring for patients during and after cancer treatment; and
• the Education Program In Cancer Care (EPICC) for medical practitioners.