All.Can Australia is calling on Australians to back a newly launched national survey to bring the lived experiences of people impacted by cancer to the forefront of national cancer care decision-making.
All.Can Australia is a not-for-profit organisation that is part of a global initiative that exists to mobilise people with cancer, healthcare professionals, industry partners and other key stakeholders across health services and the broader health system to improve outcomes in cancer care.
This new survey, made possible by funding from the Medicines Australia Oncology Industry Taskforce (OIT) seeks to collect perspectives of Australians who have experienced any type and stage of cancer, as well as their caregivers, to identify key gaps in cancer care treatment and support to shape the future of cancer care in Australia.
Professor Christobel Saunders, Co-Chair of All.Can Australia and President-elect of All.Can International, emphasised the significance of this survey in advancing cancer care policy and delivery that is based on lived experience insights.
"In 2018, we supported the All.Can Global patient survey, with around 800 Australians sharing their views on opportunities to improve efficiencies in cancer care. This provided invaluable insights that helped shape the direction of All.Can Australia's work and supported conversations with policy makers and the health industry, ultimately contributing to the launch of Australian National Cancer Plan," said Professor Saunders.
"This new research will build on the insights we have and capture the needs and aspirations that would have inevitably changed over time. We want to hear from more people impacted by cancer on what has and hasn't worked for them recently, so we are guided by the most current insights."
In line with All.Can Australia's mission to improve the accessibility, delivery, and quality of cancer care for patients, the survey aims to gain insight into:
- the cancer diagnosis process
- treatment experiences and outcomes
- the impact of cancer on daily life (including financial and psychological implications)
- accessibility and awareness of existing resources and services
- experiences of inefficiencies in cancer care and services.
Dr Susannah Morris, Consumer Health Advocate and All.Can Australia Member, emphasised the importance of giving people with lived experience and caregivers a voice to direct industry and government attention to areas that matter the most.
"As someone who has navigated the complexities of cancer care firsthand, I know that the voice of lived experience is crucial in shaping person-centred, value-based health policies that truly address people's needs in ways that help them live well with and beyond their diagnoses. By participating in this survey, patients and caregivers can help ensure that cancer care becomes more compassionate, accessible, and equitable for all," said Dr Morris.
All.Can Australia has long been at the forefront of advocating for efficiencies and patient-centricity in cancer care. A big focus for the organisation has been on cancer care navigation to improve patient experiences along the cancer care continuum. The principles and approach captured in All.Can Australia's Cancer Care Navigator Analysis Report have also been reflected in the Australian Cancer Plan.
Bill Petch, Co-Chair of All.Can Australia and Chief Executive Officer of Crohn's Colitis Cure, highlighted the importance of evidence-based approach in addressing systemic inefficiencies in cancer care.
"We cannot design and deliver efficient cancer care that is attuned to our nation's needs without reliable data that reflects patients and caregivers' real challenges. That's why we're urging the health industry and community to support and share this survey. It is an opportunity to have your say and share your experiences. These insights are not just valuable for All.Can Australia, but everyone, as they will shape cancer care policies that help people better navigate cancer care," said Mr Petch.
Heather Cahill, co-chair of the Oncology Industry Taskforce and Business Unit Director, Oncology at AstraZeneca Australia and New Zealand, pointed out that the need for collaboration between stakeholders around cancer care is greater than ever.
"With the rapid innovation of the oncology field, it is only through working together — with patients, clinicians, government, and industry — that we can ensure that these innovative solutions are backed by real-world evidence and are designed to drive improved outcomes for people affected by cancer," said Ms Cahill.
Co-chair Dr Katrina Vanin, Business Unit Director Oncology at GSK, said that the Taskforce is eager to understand the results of this unique survey.
"The better we understand the experience of patients in the health care system, the better we can act and advocate to ensure Australians are able to access the treatments and care they need throughout their cancer journey," said Dr Vanin.
The survey will remain open until Wednesday 17 September 2025 and is accessible via https://redcap.unimelb.edu.au/surveys/?s=AK3X498RJXNPRX8Y
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