Australia launches three-year plan to tackle cancer

Cancer Australia has released its Strategic Plan 2011-2014, to provide leadership and direction at a time of increasing cancer incidence. The Strategic Plan, which launched by the Nicola Roxon, Minister for Health and Ageing on August 26, will focus on fostering collaboration and engagement across the health system, building the knowledge base in cancer and seeking to shape the effectiveness of cancer control programs at a national level.

Helen Zorbas, chief executive of Cancer Australia, said the Strategic Plan identifies key issues and strategies to improve cancer control. “Cancer Australia will provide consumers, clinicians, researchers and educators with access to trusted and up-to-date information to guide clinical best practice and inform consumer decision making,” Dr Zorbas said, adding: Central to our efforts is the use of evidence to advance improvements across the cancer continuum and the use of innovative approaches to deliver best practice care and support.”

Focus on less common cancers