WA Cancer Plan - Cancer Control Consultation

Overview

The WA Department of Health is currently developing the WA Cancer Plan 2020 – 2025. This Plan builds on the previous plan and will provide strategic direction for Western Australia to achieve a well-coordinated, consumer focussed cancer care system. Importantly, this plan will also address the State Government’s commitment to deliver a Cancer Research Plan and as such will incorporate strategic directions for cancer research in WA.

The WA Cancer Plan 2020-2025 will:

• Identify strategic priorities and needs for the development of cancer policy, education and research;
• Guide State Government investment for cancer services and research; and
• Contribute to improved coordination and efficiency of cancer services.

The WA Cancer Plan 2020-2025 will be released in February 2020 and will be accompanied by an Evaluation Framework and Guiding Principles for implementation.

The development of the Plan will involve extensive consultation with people affected by cancer, community members, leaders in cancer control, health professionals and researchers, as well as many government and non-government organisations. To date, this has involved consultation activities with over 400 stakeholders including interviews with a range of health professionals and researchers, an online consumer survey conducted by the Health Consumer Council, a Research and Innovation Forum undertaken on 13 May 2019, the Cancer Control Forum undertaken on 26 July 2019 and cancer research online survey and submissions.

As part of this consultation, we invite you to provide your feedback on Cancer Control in WA by completing an online survey or written submission.

For your reference, the Plan is adopting the following World Health Organisation definition of Cancer Control:

Cancer control aims to reduce the incidence, morbidity and mortality of cancer and to improve the quality of life of cancer patients in a defined population, through the systematic implementation of evidence-based interventions for prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and palliative care. Comprehensive cancer control addresses the whole population, while seeking to respond to the needs of the different subgroups at risk.

Why your views matter

To further inform the development of the WA Cancer Plan 2020 – 2025, the Department of Health is undertaking consultation to explore key areas that capitalise on our strengths, address key challenges and provide opportunities for cancer control in the State. You will also be able to provide insights on what the ideal future for cancer control in WA should look and develop objectives to achieve this.

We encourage organisations to provide written submissions outlining their organisational positions in relation to the WA Cancer Plan 2020 – 2025; and other members of the community to take part. Your input is valuable in ensuring the Plan captures the needs of consumers and service providers.