Cancer Australia is inviting input into a draft plan to provide lasting change and improve outcomes for all people affected by cancer.
Welcoming the draft Australian Cancer Plan (ACP), the Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mark Butler said that while Australia led the world in cancer outcomes, it was still the leading cause of death in the country.
“The draft ACP presents the opportunity for all Australians to comment on a ground-breaking national strategy that sets out strategic objectives, ambitions, goals and priority actions for cancer control,” Mr Butler said.
“Developed by Cancer Australia, the ACP is an historical step forward in cancer control,” he said.
“This 10-year Plan for national action sets an agenda to accelerate world-class cancer outcomes and reduce the impact of cancer.”
Mr Butler said cancer incidence and survival outcomes were not evenly spread across the population.
He said a key component of the ACP, open for feedback until 16 December, was achieving equity in cancer outcomes, particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
“Every Australian affected by cancer should have access to the best treatment and supportive care,” the Minister said.
Chief Executive of Cancer Australia, Dorothy Keefe said to achieve world-class cancer outcomes for all Australians, national action was needed to address issues that contributed to variation in outcomes and experience.
“It is our aim that the Australian Cancer Plan resonates with every person affected by cancer in Australia, and everyone engaged in the cancer sector,” Professor Keefe said.
Cancer Australia’s 159-page draft Plan can be downloaded at this PS News link.
