New network to link cancer services across Australia

The federal government has launched the Australian Comprehensive Cancer Network (ACCN) with an aim to improve cancer outcomes and experiences for all Australians affected by cancer.

Launched at the Innovations Showcase event hosted by Cancer Australia in Sydney, the network will link cancer services across the country. The Innovations Showcase highlighted topics including best practice and the standards of excellence for networked comprehensive cancer care.

Cancer Australia CEO Professor Dorothy Keefe said, “As part of the implementation of the Australian Cancer Plan launched in November, the ACCN represents an essential stage towards achieving our goals of improving cancer outcomes and experiences for all Australians.

“To achieve world-class cancer outcomes for all Australians and realise the ambition of the Plan, we need collective action from all sectors of health care to address issues that contribute to variation in cancer outcomes and experience,” Keefe said.

While Australia has some of the world’s highest cancer survival rates, not all people experience equal outcomes. There are significant disparities in cancer outcomes for some populations, particularly affecting those in rural and remote regions, as well as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Health Minister Mark Butler said, “The ACCN represents a crucial step forward in ensuring that every Australian, regardless of their background or location, receives the best possible cancer care.

“By linking services, fostering collaboration and sharing expertise, the ACCN aims to address existing disparities in cancer outcomes, particularly among rural and Indigenous populations.”

Comprehensive Cancer Centres (CCCs) will serve as anchors in the ACCN, connecting various cancer control services nationwide. Through building partnerships and harnessing virtual connectivity, CCCs will collaborate with other cancer care centres, academic institutions, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services, regional hospitals and allied health services, among others.

The ACCN is a major action of the 10-year Australian Cancer Plan, launched in 2023 to improve cancer outcomes for all Australians, particularly for those groups whose health outcomes are poorest. Achieving equity in cancer outcomes is a fundamental measure of success for the Plan and will align Australia with global calls to improve cancer outcomes for all people.

Participation in the ACCN is voluntary, with services committing to a set of standards focusing on comprehensive cancer care, equitable access, research excellence, data collection, workforce development and network connectivity. Importantly, the ACCN will complement existing networks and alliances within the cancer care landscape, fostering collaboration and maximising resources.

To register interest in joining the ACCN and to learn more about this groundbreaking initiative, visit: https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/key-initiatives/accn.

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