Cancer Council welcomes funding announced today by the Minister for Health and Aged Care for a cancer navigation program that will ensure all Australians affected by any type of cancer have equitable access to support.
"We applaud the Australian Government's commitment to a first-of-its-kind navigation program that will connect Australians diagnosed with any type of cancer to high quality, trusted information and support at every step.
"When people get cancer information and support when they need it, they have the best chance of following a pathway that supports the delivery of optimal cancer care and coping with treatment, recovery, survivorship or end-of-life care," said Professor Tanya Buchanan, Cancer Council Australia CEO.
Every year, more than 150,000 Australians are diagnosed with cancer. Fortunately, more than 70% of Australians diagnosed will now survive cancer for five years or more and are enjoying a higher quality of life after cancer.
Professor Buchanan notes that whilst these outcomes are amongst the best in the world, they are not experienced equally by all Australians.
"Cancer is hard, but finding support shouldn't be. For many people, support during cancer is rarely in one place and knowing where to go, and when, can be overwhelming. Unfortunately, too many people miss out on the high-quality care, treatment and support they need and experience poorer outcomes."
The Australian Cancer Nursing and Navigation Program will play an integral part in the cancer sector coming together to address such inequity and support the delivery of the newly released Australian Cancer Plan.
