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New strategy to reduce cancer impact

Release Date

Cancer Australia has today released its new Strategic Plan 2014-19, which articulates the importance of a strategic, nationally coordinated and evidence-based approach to address the current and future challenges in cancer control.

“Despite overall high survival rates, cancer remains a national health priority with a number of factors contributing to the growing challenge of cancer in Australia.” Cancer Australia CEO, Professor Helen Zorbas said.

One in two men and one in three women can expect to be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime and cancer incidence is predicted to continue to rise into the future.

As the long-term prognosis for cancer continues to improve, an increasing proportion of the population will live longer after a cancer diagnosis, often requiring long-term treatment, support and follow-up care. New and emerging cancer treatments, technologies and care are becoming increasingly complex and costly, which presents challenges for the delivery of cost-effective and equitable cancer care.

In addition, there are also ongoing challenges regarding disparity in the distribution of cancer, its impact, and variations in outcomes across population and tumour groups.

As the nation’s lead authority in cancer control, Cancer Australia is uniquely positioned to address these challenges and achieve impacts in cancer control at the health system, health professional, community and consumer levels.

“Cancer Australia will drive a strategic agenda for national cancer control, which is priority driven, informed by the best available evidence and which makes optimal use of existing and future resources.” Professor Zorbas said. “Cancer Australia will continue to build the evidence base, analyse, interpret and translate the latest scientific cancer research and data to inform policy and practice.” “Importantly, national cancer control also requires partnership. Cancer Australia will coordinate and collaborate across sectors and groups to reduce duplication, and improve quality of care and cancer outcomes for all.”

Cancer Australia’s new Strategic Plan 2014-19, brings together the shared views and considered input of stakeholders from across the cancer control community, including those affected by cancer.