Cancer Council NSW welcomes the launch of the 2022-2027 NSW Cancer Plan today and applauds the NSW Government's commitment to improving cancer outcomes. Affecting one in every two people in NSW, cancer is the community's most important health priority, and the NSW Cancer Plan will provide a solid foundation to reduce the enormous impact of cancer across the state.
Cancer Council NSW's CEO, Professor Sarah Hosking says, "This year, more than 51,000 people in NSW will be diagnosed with cancer and 16,000 will die from it. We applaud the commitment of the NSW Government under this plan to address prevention, screening and early diagnosis, access to optimal cancer treatment and care, and cancer research.
"Over the past thirty years, we've seen real significant improvements in cancer outcomes in NSW including under previous plans - with survival rates improving for most cancers."
However, Cancer Council NSW acknowledges that not everyone has benefited from improved cancer outcomes with people in multicultural, regional and rural, Aboriginal and socially disadvantaged communities being left behind.
"We are particularly concerned about the impact of people who have deferred cancer screening, early detection, and treatment during COVID-19. For people living with cancer, we know that the pandemic is causing unprecedented demand for emotional and financial support.
"Real commitment and funding from the NSW Government is needed to deliver against the goals and actions within this plan and address the gaps exposed by COVID-19, as well as to improve cancer outcomes for everyone in NSW." Professor Hosking concludes.
The five year plan was developed by the Cancer Institute NSW with the help of individuals and organisations across the state, including Cancer Council NSW. Professor Sarah Hosking said the NSW Government should be commended for consulting extensively during the development of the plan.
Cancer Council NSW will help deliver the plan by continuing to:
- Provide cancer support services for people affected by cancer
- Ensure people affected by cancer have access to accurate information about cancer
- Deliver programs to help people quit smoking and reduce their risk of skin cancer
- Promote participation in the bowel, breast, and cervical screening programs
Cancer Council NSW is looking forward to working with the NSW Government to deliver on this plan and achieve a cancer free future.
