We are calling on the next State Government to make cancer its number one health priority at the March State election, with 33 West Australians now diagnosed with cancer every single day.
Launching the Cancer Priority #1 Manifesto, our CEO, Ashley Reid, said it was imperative the next WA Government and its elected representatives continue working with Cancer Council WA to more effectively prevent and treat cancer, and compassionately support those it affects.
"Every year around 12,000 West Australians hear the words 'you have cancer'. Even the sudden emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic did not stop the impact of cancer," Mr Reid said.
"Our latest estimates show 1.9 million Australians will have a personal history of cancer by 2040; that's another 800,000 people living with or beyond cancer.
"However, one in three cancers is preventable. It's only with the support of the next government that we can make the huge inroads that are now within our reach, and improve the health outcomes for thousands upon thousands of West Australians.
"We have contacted every sitting MP in WA and reached out to candidates urging them to make cancer the number one priority at the State election, and support our call for action to ensure the WA community's number one health priority gets the attention it needs."
Based on the findings of the Sustainable Health Review Final Report and the State Cancer Plan 2020-2025, the following six priorities have been identified as key areas that need the immediate and urgent attention of policy makers:
- Give skin cancer the priority it deserves
- Invest in cancer prevention
- Greater investment in clinical trials
- Reduce the financial burden for cancer patients and carers
- Enhance cancer care navigation
- Support the mental health and wellbeing of people living with cancer
"We ask the next WA Government to be prepared to support specific commitments to address these pressing problems," Mr Reid said.
"With their support we can make a profound impact on the lives of all West Australians affected by cancer and significantly reduce the risk of cancer in our community."
