Background and Context
In 2010, all Australian governments recognised the need for more effective cancer diagnosis, treatment and referral protocols and established the NCERG to develop a National Cancer Work Plan. NCERG is jointly chaired by the Commonwealth Government and Victoria with representation from all jurisdictions, Cancer Australia, the Cancer Council Australia, the Clinical Oncological Society of Australia and consumer input.

In Australia, one in two men and one in three women will develop cancer before the age of 85. With an ageing population new cancer cases will increase putting pressure on health services and expenditure as well as patients, families and carers. Cancer survival rates in Australia are, on average, among the world’s best but outcomes differ by tumour type, geography, socioeconomic and Indigenous status and other features. These disparities compromise equitable survival, optimal quality of life and the efficient use of resources.

Aim
To profile Australia’s National Cancer Work Plan (the Plan).

Strategy
The Plan, endorsed by all Australian health ministers and governments, is guided by three principles:
• focus on actions requiring national coordination; build on jurisdictional cancer plans and enhance current investments;
• be underpinned by best-practice research and evidence-based treatment and supportive care; and
• recognise the tight fiscal environment and the difficulty of funding significant new activity.

The priority action areas include: agreed pathways of cancer care; more efficient and effective cancer services; and better implementation of evidence-based cancer treatment.

Policy Process
NCERG is Australia’s only government endorsed, high-level, expert national cancer forum. The Plan is being implemented in partnership with national, jurisdictional and health professional leadership on specific priority projects with consumer involvement.

What was learned
National action to improve cancer care requires collaborative, appropriate, high level stakeholder governance. In Australia, implementation of the Plan is supporting safe, best practice cancer care.