In recognition of the benefits of an overarching national approach to cancer control that addresses the needs of all Australians now and in the future, Cancer Australia has been asked to lead the development of an Australian Cancer Plan (ACP).
The ACP will set out the key national priorities and action areas over the next 2, 5 and 10 years to improve outcomes for Australians affected by cancer. It is anticipated that the plan will cover the entire continuum of care, while considering the unique needs of specific cancer types and population groups.
The Optimal Caner Pathways (OCPs) describe national standards of high-quality cancer care that all Australians should expect and puts the person affected by cancer at the centre of care decisions.
The OCPs and ACP have strategic values alignment in that both aim to improve cancer outcomes through promoting quality cancer care and ensuring that the best care is received.
It is proposed that the OCPs form the core of the ACP, providing the structure to frame national cancer control efforts across the continuum of care and affording the opportunity to support the ongoing development, implementation, and evaluation of the OCPs.
Key national priorities and action will be considered for a range of population groups, and domains that span the continuum of care. The key national priorities and action areas identified in the ACP will be those which are best addressed at the system level and where national focus is warranted to deliver better outcomes.
Engagement of the cancer control community, of which consumers play a central role, will be undertaken to assist in identifying national priorities. This collaborative approach, underpinned by evidence-informed activities, will also be vital to supporting future implementation of the ACP to improve outcomes for all Australians affected by cancer.