Queensland government announces landmark 10-year cancer strategy

Queenslanders are being urged to have their say on a landmark 10-year-cancer strategy designed to improve treatments in regional areas and save lives.

Health Minister Shannon Fentiman has announced a landmark 10-year Queensland cancer strategy.

The Queensland government is developing a landmark 10-year cancer strategy to stop people dying because of delayed diagnoses and to bring treatment closer to patients outside metropolitan areas.

The Queensland Cancer Plan is designed to improve healthcare for the 300,000 people diagnosed each year, including 300 children and young people.

Health Minister Shannon Fentiman told The Courier-Mail that she is aware of the challenges of accessing services for people diagnosed with cancer in regional, rural, and remote areas and she also wants to improve access to early detection resources.

Melanoma, prostate, breast and lung cancers are among the most common types of cancer leading to thousands of Queenslanders seeking cancer services including detection,

diagnosis, treatment and survivorship.

The health department is calling for input from Queenslanders on how best to improve services with community consultation open until April 17.

“A cancer diagnosis is life-altering and impacts around 33,000 Queenslanders each

year. From the initial diagnosis, a cancer patient must navigate through many parts of the

health system for treatment and care, all at a time when they are grappling with the

impact of the diagnosis and feeling unwell,” Ms Fentiman said.

“While we know the process will never be easy, we know there are ways we can

make it better. For people diagnosed with cancer in regional, rural and remote areas, access to

cancer services can be challenging, making their cancer treatment and care even

more difficult,” she said.

Queenslanders are urged to share their stories, suggestions, and insights online. Feedback is sought from individuals, groups and organisations with an interest in cancer care, including those directly affected by the disease, healthcare professionals, researchers, peak bodies, private providers, and community service providers.

Once feedback from the consultation is processed, workshops will be held to further

refine the development of the plan. The plan is due to be launched this year, with further implementation plans earmarked for late 2024.

The government has also committed to building the $1.125bn Queensland Cancer Centre, a dedicated, facility situated within the Herston Health Precinct.

“The Queensland Cancer Plan and Queensland Cancer Centre set within the Herston Health Precinct will ensure that in the future, Queenslanders will access up-to-date, cutting-edge treatment and research into cancer care,” Metro North Health Executive Director Cancer Care Services Assoc Prof Glen Kennedy said.

“Additionally, we welcome the plan’s focus on improving health equity for Aboriginal

and Torres Strait Islander patients undertaking screening, diagnosis and treatment

for cancer,” he said.

Have your say on the strategy here.