The Albanese Government will provide $1.5 million to accelerate the collection of cancer stage and recurrence data in Australia.
This data is critical for identifying patterns of delayed diagnosis, cancer recurrence and survival, and will help drive equity in cancer outcomes.
This work builds on the recently announced Australian Cancer Plan and responds to the Breast Cancer Network Australia Time to Count People with Metastatic Breast Cancer: A Way Forward report.
This investment includes funding for the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare to establish the Australian Cancer Data Alliance, and funding for jurisdictional population based cancer registries to boost their capability to collect these data.
The Government recognises the work of the Breast Cancer Network Australia in highlighting the need for more comprehensive cancer data collection.
We particularly recognise the advocacy of people with metastatic breast cancer, including the late Peta Murphy MP, in ensuring their voices are heard and they are reflected in our national policies and actions.
Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:
“Even in what turned out to be the final week of the late Peta Murphy’s life, she travelled to Parliament to help launch a new report with Breast Cancer Network Australia calling for a national picture of metastatic cancers.
“Today, we are announcing a $1.5 million investment to better track cancer stages and recurrence data – because the more we know, the better we can help.
“Having this information in one place will make our screening and testing processes better to make sure we’re putting resources where it’s needed most.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mark Butler:
“The Albanese Government is committed to delivering equitable, world leading cancer care to all Australians based on the best evidence available.
“More comprehensive data collection on cancer stage and recurrence means a better understanding of the symptoms people have, how their cancer is diagnosed, how they respond to treatment and how their cancer progresses over time.
“These data are key to understanding how we can improve cancer outcomes for all Australians.”
Quotes attributable to Vicki Durston, Director Policy, Advocacy & Support Services, Breast Cancer Network Australia:
“The late Peta Murphy would have been so incredibly proud that we are now closer to ensuring that the many thousands of invisible Australians with metastatic breast cancer will no longer be hidden in plain sight.
“This funding is a significant step forward and will help the sector lead and pioneer the collection of these important data to inform and drive policy, innovation, planning, treatment and care.
“Now we can begin consolidating a way forward for better quality data, not just for breast cancer, but for all metastatic cancers.”
